Hiring Gen-Z: why the stereotypes are wrong

Smashing stereotypes, research from Gympass has discovered that Gen-Z workers (those 25 and under) may have a reputation for 'not wanting to work' but are actually the happiest and hardest working generation. Why is this?

The report looked into work-life balance, an important factor for Gen-Z when considering their employment. 75% of Gen-Z are happy at work, compared to just 60% of over-50s. They are three times more likely to rank wellbeing at work as an important factor in a job than their older counterparts and 89% would simply quit if their current employer didn't prioritise wellbeing. Could this be why so many are happier and give more at work?

Younger workers are less shy when it comes to demanding more from employers. Changes to the workplace, such as hybrid working, have meant that finding the perfect work-life balance is something employers can attempt. Companies can take these learnings and implement them across the board to engage their.

Here are the key factors that could help:

Flexibility: A report from the World Economic Forum found that 73% of employees desire permanent flexible working options. These options have been proven to boost productivity and reduce stress factors.

Diversity & Inclusion Strategies: Nothing shows a commitment to improving wellbeing more that having a tangible diversity and inclusion strategy. If nothing else, this shows that organisations are striving to improve how comfortable and welcomed people feel in the workplace.

Wellbeing Support: Actual steps to improve wellbeing - such as access to tools and programmes of wellbeing support - could also show that organisations are serious about focusing on the person first, employee second.

Everyone can learn from Gen-Z workers. Businesses should take note of the fact that greater flexibility and a focus on wellbeing actually delivers more engaged workers. These workers are more likely to stay and deliver stronger work for an organisation than their burned out counterparts.

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