Revolutionizing the Workplace: Key Gen Z Hiring Trends You Must Embrace

Gen Z is officially entering the workforce. The generation famously known for reshaping consumer markets with TikTok trends is now looking for jobs. By 2030, they’ll make up nearly 30% of the U.S. workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, so if they’re not part of your team now, they’ll arrive pretty soon.

Like with everything they do, Gen Z-ers are changing how we think about work. Primarily, they want a workplace that reflects their values, supports their well-being, and offers clear career advancement opportunities.

And they’re not shy about walking away if those expectations aren’t met. So, it may take some adjusting on your part to attract top young talent. The good news is that these changes are beneficial for everyone, including your bottom line.

So, let’s see what Gen Z workers want and what you can do to put your business on their map.

Flexibility is an Expectation, Not a Perk

Zoomers are the first generation of true digital natives, which means they’re perfectly at ease using technology to connect with coworkers, clients, and business partners alike. They also experienced the global experiment of remote work, and unlike older generations, they loved it.

Of course, this doesn’t mean they don’t understand and appreciate in-person collaboration and connection. But, following the idea that “too much of anything isn’t good,” they’d rather have the freedom of flexible hours and working remotely.

This attitude is not necessarily a defiance of norms and traditions. It’s just the natural conclusion of technological advancements. We don’t have to be chained to an office or a desk from 9 to 5 anymore.

Even professions once thought to be permanently tied to a physical location, like healthcare, are adapting. Thanks to telehealth platforms, patients can consult with an online doctor from the comfort of their homes and receive adequate treatment. Doctors are also at an advantage because they can work according to their own schedule, regardless of location.

This is why positions like Telehealth Provider pop up in job ads a lot more often these days.

A job post for Telehealth Provider

When you grew up in a digital-first world, where collaboration happens on Slack, FaceTime, and Google Docs, it’s no wonder recent surveys say 72% of Gen Z workers put flexible work options as a top priority when choosing an employer.

Career Growth and Development are Non-Negotiable

A recent Deloitte survey found that only 6% of Zoomers want to reach a leadership position. However, this doesn’t mean these youngsters are not ambitious. It simply means their ambitions are taking a different shape.

When asked, they placed learning and development as one of the most important reasons for being in the workforce. Gen Zs want guidance, support, mentorship, and inspiration from their managers and companies.

As for financial perks, even though Zoomers are known to care more about values and authenticity, employee benefits packages are still a good method to attract talent. These are especially critical for those graduating from colleges and universities.

Approximately 50 to 60% of recent graduates struggle with student loan debt (which is roughly $1.8 trillion in the US), so employer-assisted debt relief programs that target Gen Z-ers are quite appealing.

A great example to follow in this scenario comes from NVIDIA, which launched an initiative to help Gen Z employees repay student loans of up to $30,000.

Screenshot of Nvidia’s initiative

For entrepreneurs, the message is clear: the most effective way to attract and retain top talent from this generation is through structured training programs, mentorship, financial support, and clear career paths for professional growth.

When you grow up surrounded by online ads and intricate marketing schemes, it becomes second nature to recognize disingenuous or performative corporate image. If you want to attract Gen Z talent, you need to build a reputable online presence that values authenticity and transparency.

This is where social media platforms come in. Zoomers use these platforms for everything, from entertainment to research and job searching. Plus, young adults are highly skeptical of traditional advertising and use social media as a tool to verify a brand’s claims and see if it’s “walking the talk.”

Companies of all sizes and from all industries are already taking note of this preference. Even brands from traditionally stiff industries, such as law firms, are using social media to show their values and attract candidates.

Take this ‘We’re hiring’ post from Osbornes Law as an example. They’re recruiting conveyancing solicitors for their Property Law team through LinkedIn. The post is well-optimized with relevant hashtags like #solicitorjobs and #conveyancingjobs, making it easy for Gen Z candidates to discover. On top of that, their LinkedIn company profile is fully built out, featuring strong visuals and regular posts that drive engagement.

Screenshot of Osbornes Law hiring post on LinkedIn

Lastly, Gen Z-ers know to trust people, not ads. Seeing a friend, an influencer they trust, or a community member use a product holds far more weight than a professionally produced ad.