What happens when a generation that grew up with smartphones, side hustles and climate activism enters the workforce? Meet Gen Z: a group that’s redefining what it means to work.
They’re not here for the 9-to-5 grind or outdated hierarchies. They want purpose, flexibility and real growth—and they’re not afraid to ask for it. From embracing cutting-edge tech to challenging traditional norms, Gen Z is pushing workplaces to evolve.
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Gen Z tick and why their perspective is shaping the future of work.
Who is Gen Z and how do they fit into the workplace?
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age. They’ve seen the world shift from landlines to smartphones and from dial-up internet to lightning-fast connectivity. It’s no wonder they’re often called ‘Digital Natives’. While older generations have learned to adapt to technology over time, Gen Z has been using it from day one. This gives them a natural edge when it comes to navigating digital tools and solving problems in innovative ways.
When it comes to work, Gen Z tends to value flexibility and autonomy. The conventional 9-to-5 routine doesn’t always resonate with them—they prefer environments where they can choose how and when they work. This isn’t about avoiding hard work; it’s about finding ways to be productive on their own terms. For many, this means blending work with life in a way that feels balanced and sustainable.
Challenges and misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace
One of the biggest myths about Gen Z is that they’re job-hoppers with sky-high expectations. The reality? They’re looking for three key things: purpose, flexibility and opportunities to grow. When they find a workplace that delivers on these, they’re just as committed as any other generation—if not more so.
Another thing that sets Gen Z apart is their approach to leadership. They don’t just want to follow orders; they want to collaborate. Open communication and transparency are huge for them and they’re not afraid to speak up, even to senior leaders. This can be a breath of fresh air in workplaces that thrive on hierarchy, but it can also take some getting used to.
That said, Gen Z isn’t without its challenges. For one, their comfort with technology can sometimes lead to a preference for digital communication over face-to-face interactions, which can create gaps in relationship-building. Additionally, their desire for constant feedback and growth can come across as impatience to more seasoned colleagues. But with a little understanding and flexibility from both sides, these challenges can turn into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Gen Z’s values: sustainability, resilience and opportunity
Growing up in a world shaped by climate change, Gen Z sees environmental sustainability and ethical business practices as non-negotiables. A Deloitte report found that nearly half of Gen Z employees (46%) have either changed jobs or plan to because of climate concerns. For businesses, this means sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a key factor in attracting and retaining Gen Z talent.
But it’s not just the environment that’s shaped Gen Z’s outlook. Many grew up during the 2008 financial crisis and later faced the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences have made them resilient, adaptable and pragmatic about their careers. As Luke Goetting, a Gen Z expert, shared in an interview with Slido:
“Gen Z expects things to happen fast, but in reality, it doesn’t always work that way.”
This mindset often leads Gen Z to keep their options open. Instead of staying in roles that don’t meet their needs, they’re quick to explore new opportunities. While this can result in higher turnover—Forbes predicts a 60% turnover rate for Gen Z in 2023—it also reflects their confidence and drive to find the right fit.
By 2025, Gen Z will make up nearly half of the workforce. So, the big question for organizations is: How do you keep these young professionals engaged, supported, and motivated to stay?
Overcoming the challenges
To connect with Gen Z, organizations need to rethink their leadership styles. Strict hierarchies? Not their thing. Gen Z thrives in environments where collaboration and open communication are the norm. Leaders who listen, involve their teams in decision-making, and foster a sense of shared purpose will earn their respect and loyalty.
Sustainability is another big piece of the puzzle. Gen Z wants to work for companies that walk the talk when it comes to making a positive impact. This means setting clear sustainability goals, being transparent about supply chains, and showcasing meaningful contributions to social and environmental causes. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about doing good.
Finally, Gen Z craves growth. They want to know there’s a path forward in their careers. Organizations can win them over by having regular career conversations, setting achievable goals together, and celebrating their progress along the way. When Gen Z feels supported and valued, they’re more likely to stay and grow with your company.
By embracing these changes, organizations can not only attract Gen Z talent but also create an environment where they feel inspired to stay and make a difference.
What motivates Gen Z in the workplace?
For Gen Z, personal and professional growth often matter more than just a paycheck. In a world where side hustles, online businesses, and passion projects are just a click away, money alone isn’t enough to keep them engaged. Instead, they’re asking questions like:
“Does this job make me happy? Am I learning and growing?”
When the answer is yes, they’re far more likely to stick around and give their best.
You might notice your Gen Z employees asking “why” a lot—not because they’re skeptical, but because they want to know their work matters. They’re not just open to change; they expect it. A clear, inspiring vision helps them feel connected to something bigger and keeps them motivated.
Above all, Gen Z values transparency. They want to know what’s happening in the organization and how their work contributes to the bigger picture. When they see their efforts making a real impact, it becomes one of their strongest sources of purpose.
How to communicate with Gen Z in the workplace
Contrary to some stereotypes, Gen Z isn’t “hard to talk to.” For them, good communication is all about trust. They value openness and authenticity over rigid, old-school protocols.
As Luke Goetting pointed out, “Gen Z prefers asynchronous communication—they don’t think traditional meetings are always necessary.”
To bridge this gap, Luke uses tools like real-time polls at the start of his meetings. This lets Gen Z team members share their thoughts freely and anonymously, without the pressure of speaking up in front of everyone. The result? More honest, meaningful conversations and a team that feels heard and valued.
By embracing flexible communication styles, you can create an environment where Gen Z feels comfortable expressing themselves and contributing their best. It’s not about changing everything overnight—it’s about meeting them where they are and building trust along the way.
How Gen Z sees technology in the workplace
For Gen Z, technology isn’t just a shiny new tool—it’s a game-changer. They see it as a way to simplify tasks, streamline workflows, and make their workdays more efficient. Integrating AI and other cutting-edge solutions feels natural to them, and they’re quick to adopt tools that help them work smarter, not harder.
However, for them, traditional productivity tools like email and shared drives aren’t enough. They’re not afraid to automate entire workflows or experiment with new tools to find what works best. They’re drawn to platforms that feel intuitive, immersive, and aligned with their values—tools like Vidcast and Slido.
Take Vidcast which is an AI-powered video engagement platform, for example. For Gen Z, email can feel outdated (“Nobody reads that stuff anymore!”), but video? That’s where it’s at. Vidcast lets them record and replay conversations, review transcriptions, and absorb information at their own pace. It’s a more dynamic and personal way to communicate, and it fits perfectly with their preference for flexibility.
Then there’s Slido. Gen Z loves tools that break down hierarchies and foster open, purpose-driven collaboration. Slido’s interactive polls, quizzes, and anonymous Q&A features make meetings more engaging and inclusive. It’s not just about sharing ideas—it’s about creating a space where everyone feels heard and valued.
That said, Gen Z also knows that technology has its limits. While AI and digital tools can save time and boost efficiency, they understand that empathy, creativity, and genuine human connection can’t be replaced. For them, the goal isn’t just to work faster—it’s to work smarter while keeping the human element at the heart of everything they do.
Next step?: Know your future is Gen Z
Gen Z is redefining the workplace with their tech-savvy, purpose-driven approach. The question is, is your company ready to embrace their potential—or are you still trapped in endless emails and meetings that do not get to the point?
The good news? It’s never too late to adapt. By fostering flexibility, transparency, and meaningful growth, you can create an environment where Gen Z thrives—and your organization reaps the benefits. The future of work is here. Are you ready to try Vidcast?
