Gen Zers across the globe have made it clear that employers looking to hire and retain them better be prepared to show them the money.
Gen Zers also want a clear and defined path to promotion, they want a good employee benefits package, they want flexibility, they want supportive managers, they want enjoyable work, they want to be recognized for a job well done. And the list goes on.
According to a study by the Workforce Institute at Kronos, more than half (54%) of Gen Zers (age 16 to 25) worldwide, including 62% in the U.K. and 59% in the U.S., said pay is the most important consideration when applying for their first full-time job. And the older the Gen Zer, the more important money becomes, with 57% of 22- to 25-year-olds agreeing that nothing outweighs pay, compared to 49% of the 21-and-under crowd.
The study, the final piece of a three-part series from The Workforce Institute at Kronos and Future Workplace, “How to Be an Employer of Choice for Gen Z,” uncovers the motivations and aspirations of today’s youngest working generation, including those yet to officially enter the workforce. The survey included 3,400 Gen Zers across Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S.
The study also found that nearly half (44%) of Gen Zers measured success based on salary, and 44% said a job is a way to make money versus a career (33%), or a career-building opportunity (31%).
And, employers make sure your payroll processes and systems are up to date. Gen Zers would never tolerate paycheck errors. Those in the U.S. (46%) and Mexico (45%) are least tolerant.
And while Gen Zers don’t mind perks such as snacks, happy hour and gym reimbursements, they are twice as likely (30%) to prefer a traditional benefits package, which included healthcare coverage, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance.
The top employee benefit, Gen Zers said, is training and development. With advancement in mind, one in four expect managers to clearly define goals and expectations, and they want regular check-ins during their first month on the job. Success to 35% is how fast they advance in their jobs.
Additionally, 50% said they need direct and constructive performance feedback, hands-on training (44%), managers who listen and value their opinions (44%) and freedom to work independently (39%).
More than half of Gen Zers worldwide also made it known that doing work that they enjoy or care about rivals getting a decent paycheck. Two in five indicated cultivating a strong bond with their team, especially part-time employees.