However, the conversation around work culture in India is very different. Prominent business leaders such as Narayana Murthy have advocated for a rigorous 70-hour work week, an idea that clashes with the values of Gen Z. In a country where long working hours and an anti-employee environment are often glorified, this new generation is ready to challenge the status quo. They are defining success not by their working hours but by the quality of their experiences, both at work and in life.
Key findings of the Unstop report
The unstoppable report, titled Generation Z at the Workplace, surveyed more than 5,350 Generation Z individuals and 500 HR professionals. Here are the highlights of the research.
- The Importance of Work-Life Balance: Work-life balance is an important consideration for Generation Z, with 47% citing it as important when assessing potential employers. They prefer a work environment that allows work to be completed efficiently while also supporting skill growth and productivity without excessive pressure.
- Focus on job satisfaction: Job satisfaction is a key priority for Gen Z, with 72% valuing it more than salary. They are looking for roles that not only provide financial stability but also personal satisfaction and engaging work.
- Career aspirations and development: Generation Z professionals seek career paths that include opportunities for advancement and a dynamic, supportive work culture. 44% of recruiters believe Generation Z values company culture more than career development, but Generation Z actually wants a balance of both, emphasizing opportunities for both personal and professional advancement.
- Career PreferencesGeneration Z professionals prioritise their role and company reputation over salary, with 77% giving more importance to these aspects.
- Job Security ConcernsA significant portion (51%) of Generation Z professionals are apprehensive about potential job losses, with 40% of them worried about securing positions in their desired fields upon entering the job market.
- The discrepancy between Generation Z and HR views: There is a clear gap between Gen Z’s motivations for changing jobs and HR’s perceptions. Although 78% of Gen Z change jobs for career advancement, 71% of HR professionals believe it is primarily for a pay increase. In fact, only 25% of Gen Z cite pay as their main reason for changing jobs.
- Additional observationsThe report explores Generation Z’s motivations for job changes, their concerns about entering the workforce, expectations around mental health support, and their preference for adaptable work styles over traditional, rigid structures.
These are the 3 lessons employers need to learn from this survey
As the current workplace is undergoing massive transformation, employers must adapt to the expectations of Generation Z to reduce attrition rates. Here are some important lessons for them.
It is important to prioritise the mental health of employees
As the report points out, the youngest generation in the workforce is more focused on prioritising their mental health over salary. Hence, it has become more important than ever for HR professionals and managers to ensure that their employees are having a good time at work. Micromanagement or creating a claustrophobic environment can reduce the interest of Gen Z employees leading to higher resignation rates.
focusProviding ample growth opportunities
The new generation of employees want their workplaces to foster growth and provide them with a plethora of opportunities that can effectively mold their professional candidature. Employers should focus on creating an environment that fosters growth by providing ample opportunities for skill development, career progression, and personal growth. Providing mentorship programs, continuous learning opportunities, and clear paths for advancement can significantly increase employee satisfaction and retention.
Maintaining a positive company culture is important
A vibrant and positive workplace is bound to attract young employees. Along with lucrative packages, they are also looking for an ideal place to work. “For the youngest generation in the workforce, work is not just a place you go to every day to make regular deposits in your account. It should fit seamlessly into many important aspects of your life,” PTI quoted Ankit Agarwal, founder and CEO of Unstop, as saying. “They (Gen Z) are reminding us that work should be a part of life, not the other way round. This is a call to action for employers and recruiters. Employers who adapt to these fast-changing expectations will be preferred by the new generation of employees,” he said.
As Generation Z continues to make its demands, India may eventually be forced to adopt more employee-centric policies, perhaps following in the footsteps of Australia and other countries that are promoting a more balanced, humane work environment.
