According to the reportCultural Insights, from Adobe Stock, conducted by Adobe, it is expected that Generation Z will surpass the Boomers in the workplace later this year and make up 30% of the workforce by 2030. This increase in the first generation of digital natives in the corporate world is leading companies to rethink their practices, adjusting them to this generation's expectations regarding organizational culture, inclusion, benefits, career opportunities, and mental health care.
Many companies are already revising their policies and cultures to retain these young people, especially since 57% of Generation Z plans to change jobs within a year. These adaptations are transforming the professional landscape, impacting corporate routines and work models.
According to Paulinho Franqueira, Principal Solutions Consultant at Adobe Brazil, the goal is not only to attract but also to retain these talents. This second objective is challenging, as Gen Z is more likely to move professionally more frequently, unlike previous generations. "Fortunately, efforts to renew the corporate culture and offer greater flexibility in the work schedule have proven effective in retaining these talents," the executive concludes.
Social Issues
Generation Z is the most diverse in the workplace and demands leaders who are honest, empathetic, and fair. In the United States, 77% of young people from this generation believe it is essential to work in companies committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, 58% require their employers to prioritize social and environmental responsibility, according to a survey by Talent LMS and Bamboo HR, while 68% value engagement with social causes.
The same study found that 76% of Gen Z defines an excellent work environment as one in which "people are attentive, friendly, and socially conscious."
Company Benefits
For Generation Z, flexibility and career planning are more important than compensation, a priority that contrasts with that of baby boomers, who prioritize salary above all. "Although there are overlaps between the preferences of different generations, the motivations behind these choices vary according to the life stage. Generation Z can be considered 'idealistic,' but they do not face the same financial pressures, such as supporting children, for example," observes Franqueira.
Career Development and Mentoring
An Adobe survey in 2023 revealed that 83% of young people consider mentorship crucial for their development, but only 52% have a mentor, and 48% desire more training in work-related technical skills. "Entering the job market, they know they need guidance, and any company that offers a mentoring program will significantly increase talent retention," says Franqueira.
Life Balance and Mental Health
Generation Z values work-life balance, prioritizing quality time outside of work. The "What's Next For Work" trend research by YPulse revealed that 78% of young people in the United States feel exhausted due to work. Burnout and the lack of work-life balance are the main reasons why Generation Z leaves their jobs, even surpassing the issue of inadequate salaries.
Young people of this generation are also more likely to seek mental health support compared to other generations. About 82% of them in the US consider it important to have days dedicated to mental health, while half would like to receive training in this area.
With Generation Z occupying more space and gaining a voice in the job market, companies that want to stay competitive need to adapt their cultures to meet the expectations of this new generation. Investing in flexibility, career development, mental health, and social responsibility attracts and retains them, creating a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable work environment.
The changes initiated by this generation are already shaping the future of work, and organizations that align with these trends will be best positioned to thrive in the years to come.
