- Key Insight: Learn how Gen Z demands—flexibility, skills, meaningful work—are redefining employer value propositions.
- What's at Stake: Companies risk talent loss and productivity declines without updated benefits and reskilling.
- Forward Look: Prepare for AI-driven role shifts; upskilling and flexible PTO will become strategic priorities.
Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review.
Gen Z workers are redefining what makes a workplace attractive, pushing for more flexibility, mental health, career growth, and meaningful workplace experiences.
According to data from the National Society of High School Scholars, Gen Z cares the most about gaining skills and professional development, and a positive workplace environment. Organizations will need to include demonstrations of a genuine commitment to work–life balance, flexible benefits, and inclusive policies and programs that support diverse future needs, such as comprehensive PTO plans and upskilling and reskilling efforts.
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"Organizations will need to provide [young people] with enough support and resources where they can see that the companies want to make a difference in both their personal lives and their professional lives," said James Lewis, president and co-founder of the NSHSS. "If a company can reinforce that initiative and encourage that, they'll not only attract this generation, but retain them as well."
Here are some of the ways employers will need to think outside the box moving forward if they want to recruit and retain Gen Z.
Access to mental health care matters
Young professionals are doing everything they can to get better mental health services out of their workplace. Research from The Standard shows that 20% of Gen Z men have taken leave for mental health reasons, compared with 14% of millennials, 11% of Gen X, and 6% of baby boomers. Gen Z men are now taking mental health leave at the same rate as Gen Z women, suggesting a shift in attitudes toward seeking support.
Driving much of that need is some of the circumstances the younger generations are struggling with. For example, while caregiver fatigue has been affecting employees of all ages, data revealed that Gen Z, the youngest caregivers in the workforce, are being hit the hardest — 62% said caregiving cuts into their job performance, compared to 44% of millennials and 45% of Gen X, and 50% said caregiving has damaged their personal relationships.
For organizations, expanded mental health benefits could be the key to alleviating some of that burden for their workforce.
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Why AI is top of mind
Postings for entry-level jobs in the U.S. have fallen 35% over the past year, according to a recent survey from workforce intelligence firm Revelio Labs, with AI playing a major role in the decline. While the shift in job availability has signaled a rapid and successful technological adoption, it also risks worsening an already challenging job market for young people.
However, Gen Z isn't letting the odds stop them. According to data from software company ICIMS, Gen Z candidates still make up more than 80% of all tech job applications, even as the pathways to those roles begin to disappear. All they need from workplaces is more opportunity from organizations to learn how to use AI to their advantage.
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Traditional benefits won't cut it
According to the biannual Gen Z Career Interest Survey from the National Society of High School Scholars young talent— including soon-to-be graduates and early-career professionals — placed traditional perks lower on their list. While health coverage (72%) and paid time off or flexible schedules (62%) remain important, most respondents prioritized fair treatment, work–life balance, and corporate social responsibility as the defining qualities they seek in future employers.
More progressive benefits and perks such as language learning are also becoming more sought after. In fact, when asked what would make language learning more valuable to their careers, 45% cited clear career pathways linked to language skills. Another 34% want employer-recognized certification, 31% want industry-specific language training, and 22% want visa or international mobility assistance.
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