According to Jobstreet, the workforce will be predominated by Gen Z employees in less than 10 years. Here’s how to hire them and meet their needs so they’ll stay. 

Recent studies show that Gen Z and millennials currently make up around 38% of the global workforce and these numbers are expected to rise by 58% in 2030. Meanwhile, a separate study conducted by Jobstreet shows that 65% of Gen Zs are already currently employed with part-time or full-time jobs.

Gen Z is defined as the generation born between 1997 and 2012. And given how they will soon dominate the workforce, it takes a good understanding of what they want or need, as well as what pushes them to be dedicated to their craft. And that includes dealing with misconceptions like entitlement or being difficult to deal with, among others.

With that, the renowned job-seeking platform JobStreet conducted research to better understand this new generation of workers. Here’s what they found out. 

What Motivates Gen Z Employees

Jobstreet’s recent data shows that Gen Zs are digital natives who have a knack for innovation and change. They also tend to choose their workplace based on the company’s impact on society. Company values and political stances are just as important when it comes to deciding whether or not they should go into a certain company.

Overall, their strong principles are rooted in their wide access to information, which allows them to fact-check things. 

More often than not, Gen Z applicants have their eyes set on what they want from their employers. According to surveys, some of the factors that they usually look into are a company’s stability, ability to provide work-life balance, competitive salary, and great benefits. In fact, a separate study from the World Economic Forum also reflected results of how 73% of Gen Z employers prefer permanent flexible work arrangements. 

“The desires of Gen Z talents might seem like high-maintenance demands, but they are absolutely valid. Employers really need to ensure that they are implementing practices that are healthy for their workers to continue attracting and retaining talents,” shares Dannah Majarocon, JobStreet Philippines’ Managing Director.

Gen Z Industry Preferences

Though the preferences of employees may vary depending on their field of study and interests, JobStreet has seen a significant change in the line of work that Gen Z specializes in, compared to preceding generations. These industry preferences of each gender include: 

• Male employees: Computer (Hardware), Engineering, IT Consulting, Automotive, IT Outsourcing (BPO), and IT Software industries

• Female employees: Travel/Tourism, Healthcare/Medical, Accounting, Hospitality, and Government-related jobs

By analyzing the work dynamics of Gen Z, companies can find it easier to remain relevant and adaptable in terms of developments. That way, they may find necessary adjustments that can help them address employee needs while propelling their organizations further. After all, it is by understanding the upcoming generation of workers that employers can hone the next generation of business leaders.