It's all over the news: TikTok is full of parody videos about Gen Z at work, with their fear of phone calls and their need for a manager who's "chill enough". But beyond these clichés, what are the real expectations of this generation on the job market? Spoiler alert: they're not just here for the passion.
Who are the Gen Z workers?
Welcome to the world of digital natives! Generation Z follows Generation Y and precedes Generation Alpha. Born between 1996 and 2012, they’ve grown up with a smartphone in hand and constant internet connection. For them, everything happens online: information, entertainment, social interactions... and, of course, job hunting. According to the OECD, this generation will account for 27% of the workforce in 2025. In Luxembourg, their presence in the labour market is steadily increasing, making them the decision-makers of tomorrow.
How to define them in a few words? Hyper-connected, multitaskers, committed, but also pragmatic. Unlike Generation Y, which popularised the "work hard, play hard" mantra, Gen Z prioritises balance and flexibility. They aren’t just looking for a job; they want an environment that makes sense and aligns with their values.
What Gen Z expects from companies
1. Work-life balance
Exit endless overtime! Gen Z wants time for themselves, whether to do sports, travel, or simply... do nothing (and that’s OK). Work-life balance is a top priority. In fact, 91% of young people find it "acceptable" to take a career break to travel, learn a new language, or simply take time for themselves (Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg, 2022). This trend is leading more and more companies to embrace gap years and value overseas experiences rather than seeing them as career interruptions.
But balance isn’t only about career breaks. The flexible hours, remote work, and 4-day week combo is becoming a powerful argument for attracting and retaining them. In the digital age, they no longer accept wasting time on unnecessary commutes or following rigid rules that no longer make sense.
2. Caring management and an authentic team
Gone are the days of old-style management, based on hierarchy and control. Gen Z wants an approachable boss who values transparent communication and autonomy. In fact, 40% of young people feel misunderstood by their employer (Carson College of Business, 2021). No need to micromanage them; the key word is shared responsibility.
The working atmosphere and team spirit are also essential. A job where you feel good, where colleagues become almost like friends, and where interactions are natural and authentic—that’s what they’re looking for. Half of young workers would even accept a lower salary if the work environment is better (Deloitte, 2023). In some companies, a culture of post-work debriefing on WhatsApp or spontaneous afterworks where the office becomes both a workplace and a social space, is emerging. They’ve even popularised F.O.M.O.
3. A salary that matches their expectations
Forget the idea that they’ll work for passion. Contrary to the clichés about a youth detached from material considerations, Gen Z are very aware of the value of their work. According to a joint study by Apec and Terra Nova, 55% of young workers prioritise salary when choosing a career.
In Luxembourg, where the cost of living is high, salary is an even more critical issue. Young people want to climb the career ladder, but not at any cost. Rather than waiting years for a promotion that may never come, they’re not afraid to diversify their experiences, venture into entrepreneurship, or even change companies if their expectations aren’t met. They know their worth and aren’t willing to sell themselves short.
4. Diversity and international openness
Having grown up in an ultra-connected world, Gen Z is very open to cultural and social diversity. Between videos in several languages on TikTok, films in their original language and streaming platforms, they are used to interacting with different cultures. This mindset is also reflected in their career choices: 69% of young people consider diversity and inclusion to be essential criteria in their choice of company (PwC, 2023).
Luxembourg, with its 60% foreign workforce, is an ideal environment for these young people who dream of a multicultural setting and international careers. Working in several languages, being part of international teams and having opportunities abroad is exactly what attracts this ultra-curious generation, who are always on the lookout for new experiences!
5. Environmental commitment and strong values
Gen Z isn’t satisfied with empty words on CSR; they want tangible actions! The numbers speak for themselves: 64% of young people would refuse a job in a company that was not committed to sustainable development (Deloitte, 2023). Recycling, eco-friendly transport, green initiatives… everything counts to earn their trust.
But ecology isn't everything: 70% of young people want to work for a company whose values are aligned with their own (Carson College of Business, 2021). And beware, a company's reputation is no longer just an internal issue. Today, a bad buzz on LinkedIn, TikTok or Glassdoor can ruin an employer brand in an instant.
The Keys to Attracting and Retaining Gen Z
Today’s young people aren’t just looking for a job; they want an environment that respects their values and balance. To attract this hyper-connected generation, companies need to rethink their approach and rethink their employer brand. This means having a strong presence on social media, offering an engaging employee experience, and implementing concrete practices around flexibility, diversity, and sustainability. Clearly, it’s no longer enough to check boxes; companies must adapt and prove, every day, that they truly understand this new generation that is redefining the future of work.
