Millennial workers heralded the end of jobs for life, switching roles throughout the course of their careers in search of promotion and salary increases.
Now, Gen Z is putting its own spin on the world of work by demanding roles that offer greater flexibility, higher work-life balance and are in alignment with their own personal beliefs.
This generation accounts for one-third of the global population, is the most diverse generation in U.S. history, the best educated, with over half receiving a college education, and the first digitally native generation to enter the workplace. Their opinions and demands are going to shape the future of work more than any other generation.
Which begs the question, what does the class of 2024 seek from their employers?
Complete Flexibility
While hybrid working is now the accepted norm, the fact remains that the working day itself hasn’t changed very much at all, meaning that companies that offer complete flexibility remain more attractive to graduates.
That’s right, the Class of 2024 want to set their own schedules based on personal commitments and productivity habits, with 76% believing a four-day week should be the norm and 56% stating that they would leave a company that enforced full-time office-based work.
A Sense of Purpose
The days of clocking in, clocking out, and living for the weekend are long gone, especially if current graduates have their way.
More socially aware than previous generations, the Class of 2024 want to feel that their contribution makes a difference to the world. Or at least does no harm. Recent surveys have shown that Gen Z actively choose to spend their money with businesses that align with their own personal philosophies and they approach the world of work in the same way, with 79% remaining loyal to companies that care about their effect on society.
Similarly, 65% of graduates said that they’d accept a role that pays less but is more in line with their own personal beliefs than accept a role at a company they have moral issues with. While for 25% of graduates, a moral synergy with their employer is the most important factor in their job search.
Forward Movement
Recent research shows that over half of recent graduates live in a household financially impacted as a direct result of the pandemic, which has left them pragmatic and concerned about career progression.
This desire for promotion coupled with their desire for direct communication, means that clear KPIs and a mutual understanding of what’s needed for progression is necessary.
Pay parity and transparency are also a factor for the Class of 2024, with research showing that they are far more open about salary scales than previous generations– 37% openly discuss salary compared to 15% of Gen X.
Mental Health Support
Many Gen Z employees openly discuss the need for more mental health days within the workplace, and many also discuss their mental health with colleagues. This is considerably different than any other generation and further proves that the space between personal life and work life is smaller than ever.
Within the workplace, this openness can be supported by managing stress loads, providing support, and scheduling check-ins with junior workers to ensure they’re settling in and developing coping mechanisms.
The Class of 2024 know what they want, and thankfully there are plenty of employers recognizing their power and stepping up to provide extra support. The GradCafe Job Board is full of such opportunities, like the three below, and should be the first stop for anyone trying to find their dream role.
Scientist, Eurofins Scientific, Philadelphia
Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and the environment safer, healthier, and more sustainable and it’s hiring for an Entry Level Scientist position. In this role, you will perform physical, chemical, and instrumental analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished pharmaceutical products. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or other related degree concentration, or equivalent directly-related experience. Find more information here.
Engineers, Hazen and Sawyer, Boston
An employee-owned firm working to help communities protect public health and the environment, Hazen and Sawyer is currently recruiting for Entry Level Engineers across its Boston, California, and New York offices. The company’s primary focus is the planning, design, and oversight of the construction of environmental infrastructure for water, wastewater, and stormwater management, and it has a variety of opportunities for entry-level engineers. Find more information here.
Nursing Graduate, LifeBridge Health, Randallstown
Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Nursing Graduate performs specified routine and complex procedures and selected nursing care activities to assist in the direct and indirect care of an assigned group of patients. The successful candidate will need formal working knowledge equivalent to an Associate’s degree (two years’ college), knowledge of a specialized field, and a graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Find more information here.
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Aisling O'Toole is a journalist who over the past 15 years has edited some of Ireland's leading publications, contributed regularly to TV and radio, and occasionally the odd podcast.
