What does Generation Z expect from the job market?

Generation Z's expectations from business life can be roughly listed as follows.1) A workplace where they can express themselves freely and away from hierarchy. 2) A flexible and free working environment. 3) An innovative workplace that encourages socialization. 4) A participatory, democratic and leading company management instead of authoritarian management.
As this generation tends to consume quickly, they can change jobs very often.

I would exchange:
- social packages
- appearance of the workplace and innovations
- freedom of action and the possibility of remote work

There are significant differences, Generation Z has been raised in the world of technology from the beginning, which is why they eagerly use all technological novelties. Additionally, globalization - the influence of the EU, as well as the culture of the USA, has left a mark on the views of young Poles and their expectations of life.

Generally speaking, Generation Z expects respect for themselves, their work, and their free time. They do not subscribe to a slave culture, where employees should be grateful to have a job, continue working despite illness, and answer phone calls at 11 PM. They are capable of setting conditions for employers, so one must be prepared for a job interview that is a scrutiny of both sides, including openly discussing salary and employee benefits that realistically improve quality of life.

Friendly working environments, flexible hours, and working conditions are also very important to Generation Z. They want to live (decently) and have a job, not have a job just to be able to live. They place greater emphasis than other generations on respecting diversity, freedom of expression, ethical actions by employers, and their concern for the environment.

Therefore, employers should expect that they need to approach Generation Z employees more collaboratively and individually - to understand their needs and adapt the work culture accordingly. It is also worth ensuring that the time spent at work by a Generation Z employee is enjoyable. Generation Z is becoming increasingly prevalent in the job market and undoubtedly changing its realities.

I myself belong to the Millennial generation, and I entered the job market just before the 2008 crisis, when employers held all the power and one had to be obedient and grateful to have any job. Soon after, I switched to freelancing, and the job market is only known to me through stories from my surroundings and readings. Therefore, the approach of Generation Z impresses me deeply, combined with surprise at how much the world has changed.

The job market is expecting Generation Z?

Generation Z, which refers to individuals born between 1997 and 2012, has specific expectations and preferences regarding the job market. Below are a few main characteristics that distinguish this generation:

Work-life balance: Generation Z expects work to adapt to their lives and needs. They value flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work, as well as receiving appropriate compensation for their efforts.

Development and training: Individuals belonging to Generation Z value the opportunity for continuous professional development. They often expect employers to provide them with training, courses, and skill development that will help them acquire new career opportunities.

Wide range of experiences: Generation Z seeks diversity in work. They appreciate jobs that allow them to acquire different skills and enable collaboration with various groups of people. They dislike being stagnant and want to work in places that offer a wide spectrum of development opportunities.

Technology: Generation Z is brought up in the digital and technological era. They expect technology to be an integral part of their work. They expect employers to provide access to modern tools, software, and communication platforms.

Reliability and ethics: Generation Z places importance on values and ethics in the workplace. They expect their employers to be transparent and honest, both in terms of financial matters and their approach towards clients and employees. They value corporations that engage in social and environmental activities.

Communication and feedback: Individuals belonging to Generation Z prefer regular communication with superiors and other team members. They expect honest and constructive feedback regarding their work and progress. They desire their voices and opinions to be valued and taken into consideration.

Access to information: Generation Z is bombarded with information, which enables them to effectively filter and utilize vast amounts of data. They expect employers to provide clear information regarding goals, expectations, and directions in which they should develop.

Of course, individual expectations may differ depending on personal preferences and experiences. However, these characteristics are general trends that are characteristic of Generation Z in the job market.

I am from this generation. I think that each employee should be individually evaluated, as each person will have different qualities. We will find "hard workers" and "lazy ones" in every generation. Nevertheless, I notice a few characteristics regarding work expectations that are more prominent in Generation Z.

1. They want a more egalitarian work environment - they are more bothered by the barrier between a regular employee and a higher-level employee. They want the freedom to talk to higher-level employees. It annoys them when a supervisor/manager behaves superior towards lower-level employees.
2. They don't like staying at work after hours - I don't mean working overtime due to a specific project. However, if they have a "9 to 5" job, they get irritated when they have to finish something and it's still not done by 4:58 PM.
3. They pay more attention to benefits packages - this applies to elements such as remote/hybrid work possibilities, holiday and year-end bonuses, multisport cards, training and course subsidization.

I would like to emphasize that these conclusions are based solely on my observations and are not supported by the opinion of labor market experts or scientific studies.

Gen Z expect the job the market to have really high paying jobs whilst having to do the very least for the salary given.

Technological awareness: Generation Z is the first generation to grow up in the digital era. They are usually very familiar with modern technologies, which can bring benefits in areas related to innovation, digitization, and quick adoption of new tools.

Sustainable development values: Generation Z often shows a greater interest in sustainable development issues and corporate social responsibility. Employers who engage in social and environmental actions may be more attractive to this group.

Diversity and inclusion: Young people often value cultural diversity and inclusion awareness. Companies that promote equality and create a friendly atmosphere for different perspectives will have an advantage in attracting talents from Generation Z.

Skills development: Generation Z often expects employers to support their professional development through training, access to new skills, and advancement opportunities. Systematic investment in employee development can contribute to satisfaction and loyalty.

Remote work and flexibility: After the COVID-19 pandemic, Generation Z may expect more flexible work options, such as remote work. Employers offering flexible employment conditions may attract more young talents.

Differences between Generation Z and previous generations may include a more global view of the world, greater distrust in traditional institutions, and a high familiarity with new technologies from an early age.

It is important to understand that each person is an individual, and although certain tendencies can be indicated within a generation, there is still a great diversity in the values and expectations of each employee, regardless of the generation, and this should always be remembered.

doesn't understand the basic principles of economics, that well-being comes from work and skills;
in my opinion, they are characterized by a lack of ambition and relying on social welfare for their functioning;
I do not criticize such an approach to life, although I do not understand it and I disagree;
in my opinion, sooner or later they will face a harsh collision with reality

I expect a not too difficult job that will not require too much effort from them and at the same time will allow them to earn quite good money.

Generation Z focuses on the work environment and rapid development. Due to their accustomedness to instant gratification, they expect the same in their work, demonstrating significant impatience and quick changes in their jobs.