More than two-thirds (67%) of generation Z respondents consider salary to be the most important thing about a job, according to research by leadership development organisation the Forum Corporation.
The Forum generation report, which surveyed 250 generation Z employees (those born between 1994 and 2000) and 750 employers, also found that 40% of employee respondents view good work-life balance and flexible working as the most important aspects of a job.
The research also found:
- 18% of employee respondents say that having a good holiday allowance, a day off for their birthday, or duvet days, is the most important thing about a job.
- 23% of employer respondents identify flexible working and a good work-life balance as a way of attracting and retaining generation Z employees.
- 21% of employer respondents believe a good office environment and modern facilities are important to generation Z, compared to 4% of employee respondents.
- 78% of employer respondents feel ill-prepared to deal with generation Z employees coming into the workplace, and 55% are worried about their arrival.
- Almost a third (32%) of employee respondents would be irritated if their employer showed little appreciation and praise for their work, and 32% would be irritated if their employer expected them to put their work ahead of their personal life.
Cynthia Stuckey (pictured), managing director at the Forum Corporation, said: “Organisations must be flexible to change and equip leaders with the knowledge they need to successfully manage multi-generational workforces in a way that attracts, develops and retains a robust pipeline of talent.
“Ensure leaders have a deep understanding of this generation including how they work, and what motivates and engages them compared to the rest of the team. Only then can businesses prepare effectively; working out changes to policies, work structures, management styles, and what new skills are needed to acquire and retain generation Zs.”