Here's why Gen Z is increasingly favoured by employers

Shikha Saxena, a 24-year-old junior marketing professional at a multinational in Mumbai, joined the workforce three years ago. Her office is largely dominated by millennials who believe in ‘burning the midnight oil'. 

For Saxena, however, it's about ensuring work is treated as work and doesn't consume her life. 

The initial few months in the office were hard for her—most of her peers and senior leadership looked at her with a judgmental eye. Soon, they came around after she delivered tasks with utmost precision. 

“My generation is unwilling to stay at work beyond our prescribed hours. This hasn't gone down well with most of my seniors, who expect employees to be available round the clock. It's a similar case with my friends who have recently joined the workforce,” Saxena confesses. 

Anant Mishra, a 22-year-old brand consultant from Bengaluru agrees. 

“I am true to my work and ensure there's quality in everything I do. Yes, I make use of several digital tools, including ChatGPT and Gemini, which help me finish my work faster. But that has only improved my efficiency,” he tells YS Life. 

Interestingly, Gen Z—individuals born between 1997 and 2012—are one of the primary drivers of change in today's workplace, a 2023 research by Deloitte corroborates. 

They are digital natives, having grown up with smartphones and social media, and are often the ‘trendsetters, trend enders, the influenced, and the influential’. 

“Indeed, Gen Z is becoming increasingly prominent in the workplace. Currently, they represent the youngest demographic ever, with unprecedented influence and agency. Gen Z individuals are not just employees; they are active consumers shaping today's economy,” shares Chetna Israni, Director and Co-founder of Morning Star Brandcom, a Mumbai-based integrated communication consultancy.  

New age, new work style

The evolving business landscape has led to disruptions, creating a demand for products and services that never existed before. Consequently, there is a growing need for talent that understands this demographic and can cater to its unique demands. 

“Today’s founders are younger than ever, and the economy is vastly different from what it was two decades ago. Therefore, Gen Z has created a whole new world, where they are both the creators and consumers,” Israni adds.

While they form a significant part of the workforce today, leaders have had mixed experiences of working with this group, points out Bhakti Talati, an independent work-life balance coach from Mumbai.

“Some find their lack of patience and need for instant gratification concerning, while many have started transforming their organisational practices to meet their requirements. However, it's important to note that the same was thought of millennials when they newly entered the workforce,” she notes. 

Every generation has different priorities, motives, and ideologies. Gen Z or 'Zoomers’ are brought up in a more evolved culture and environment than previous generations, and accordingly, they have created their plans and processes.

“Gen Z prioritise personalised and engaging learning experiences over traditional classroom settings. They are deeply committed to social causes and seek employment within organisations that share their values,” says Neelima Chakara, Executive Coach and Founder of PurposeLadder—a coaching organisation that aims to increase the capacity and effectiveness of executives.

“Mental well-being and diversity

are equally significant concerns for them,” she adds. 

A world of advantages 

As individuals who are exposed to technology at a young age, Gen Z is tech-savvy and seamlessly integrates advanced tools into their work lives. It helps with improved efficiency and eventually their desire to achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

“While Gen Z might not agree with constant hustling or being available always, it also means they are most likely to find solutions that can make their jobs easier,” highlights Talati, adding that this generation places more value on flexibility than previous generations. 

Gen Z also walks the talk when it comes to diversity and inclusion—which is why they are on the lookout for organisations that align with this mindset. 

“They value authenticity and strive to bring their whole selves to work. Research shows that diverse organisations, which Gen Z actively seeks, often generate more revenue from innovation,” shares Chakara. 

Real-world examples show companies succeeding by integrating Gen Z's strengths, says Mamta Mohapatra, Professor and Chair of Organisational Behaviour, IMI Delhi. 

However, the challenge lies in creating a cohesive workplace that leverages diverse strengths across all generations.

“As workplaces continue to evolve, the focus is likely to shift towards creating a balanced, inclusive environment that leverages the strengths of a diverse, multigenerational workforce,” she adds. 

Mohapatra says this approach supports Gen Z's integration, ensuring all employees are valued and motivated, reinforcing holistic business success. 

The last word 

While there are many pluses to hiring Gen Z, their casual attitude and vocabulary can mislead colleagues from other generations to consider them unprofessional. 

However, Chakara says, this generation is far from this perception—they are career-oriented and value authenticity, transparency, and openness in communication. These qualities are essential to building a culture of respect and high performance. 

In fact, many researchers have also found Gen Z to suffer from high mental stress—which can sometimes go against them—particularly since they are perceived to be distracted and disengaged. 

“It's important to remember that many started their careers doing remote work during the pandemic, and that’s the culture they have accepted. There are some obvious differences, but we are better off adopting and changing as the new generation enters the workforce,” advises Talati. 

In summary, Gen Z’s digital proficiency, pragmatic approach, and strong ethical values not only distinguish them from millennials but are also reshaping how organisations operate, driving growth through innovation, stability, and a focus on sustainability, concludes Mohapatra.