With Gen Z projected to make up 30% of the workforce by 2030, according to Johns Hopkins University research, leaders must adapt to attract, retain, and motivate this generation. Below are eight evidence-based strategies to create conditions for Gen Z to thrive, benefiting both employees and organizations.
1. Provide a Sense of Purpose
Gen Z prioritizes purpose, with 37% citing it as their top priority and 12% focusing on positive impact, per EduBirdie. A Deloitte survey of nearly 15,000 Gen Zs across 44 countries found 88% view purpose as critical to job satisfaction, and 54% consider meaningful work when choosing employers.
- How to Implement: Clearly communicate your organization’s mission and how individual roles contribute to it. Emphasize human impact—how work benefits customers, communities, or end users—over financial metrics like revenue growth. Align tasks with their strengths and passions to foster engagement.
2. Prioritize Their Wellbeing
Gen Z faces significant wellbeing challenges:
91% experience stress, and 98% report burnout (Cigna).
62% of women and 51% of men aged 18-34 feel overwhelmed by stress (Stress in America survey).
40% feel stressed or anxious most of the time, with only 52% rating their mental health positively (Deloitte).
78% value wellbeing as much as salary (Gympass), and 82% prioritize it (Top Employers Institute).
How to Implement: Foster a supportive culture with empathetic leadership, respect, and appreciation. Offer resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), wellbeing initiatives, and affinity groups. Assign challenging work and hold them accountable, as meaningful responsibilities boost self-esteem and mental health.
3. Ensure Fair Compensation
Financial stress is prevalent among Gen Z, with 48% feeling financially insecure and 80% citing finances as a stress source (Deloitte).
- How to Implement: Provide competitive salaries and highlight the value of non-financial benefits like health insurance, vacation, and pensions. Offer financial literacy programs to educate them on managing finances. Ensure pay transparency and clear career progression paths, as Gen Z values clarity in compensation structures.
4. Foster Relationship-Building
Gen Z is the loneliest generation, with many struggling to make friends. Work is a key place for building connections, with 78% viewing it as a hub for community and belonging (Top Employers Institute).
- How to Implement: Encourage collaboration through team-based projects and employee resource groups. Create inclusive environments where Gen Zs feel valued and integral to shared goals, fostering a sense of belonging.
5. Promote Work-Life Balance
Gen Z prioritizes working to live over living to work, with 62% valuing work-life balance and 62% prioritizing relationships and family (EduBirdie). Work-life balance is among the top three reasons they choose employers (Deloitte).
- How to Implement: Offer flexible work arrangements and reasonable workloads. Create a culture where employees can set boundaries and feel comfortable sharing aspects of their personal lives, fostering authenticity and balance.
6. Invest in Their Development
Development is a top priority for 25% of Gen Zs, with 24% focusing on career and education (EduBirdie). Additionally, 80% expect employers to provide continuous upskilling (Top Employers Institute). They value learning opportunities and career progression (Deloitte).
- How to Implement: Offer diverse development opportunities, including on-the-job training (89%), mentorship (86%), peer learning (84%), feedback (82%), and formal programs (81%). Focus on skills like communication, leadership, time management, and industry knowledge. Provide stretch assignments and promote them when they’re 70% ready, with ongoing support and recognition.
7. Redefine Career Advancement
Only 6% of Gen Zs aspire to leadership roles, and those in leadership are 1.7 times more likely to leave to protect wellbeing (Deloitte, DDI). However, 31% seek career fluidity, often switching employers every two years for better pay and opportunities (Deloitte).
- How to Implement: Offer non-traditional advancement paths, such as expanded roles, cross-functional projects, or new responsibilities without formal leadership. Align these opportunities with appropriate pay and titles to reflect their growth.
8. Embrace Technology
Gen Z is tech-savvy, with 57% using AI for tasks like data analysis, content creation, and project management (Deloitte). Additionally, 71% feel confident using new workplace technologies (Top Employers Institute).
- How to Implement: Encourage the use of cutting-edge tools and AI in their roles. Recognize and reward innovative technology use, and create opportunities for Gen Zs to share their expertise with colleagues.
By prioritizing purpose, wellbeing, fair pay, relationships, work-life balance, development, flexible career paths, and technology, organizations can create environments where Gen Z thrives. These strategies not only support Gen Z but also drive organizational success by fostering a motivated, engaged, and productive workforce.