67% of GenZ job seekers prioritise learning and growth prospects offered by organisations. Highlighting their strong desire for continuous skill enhancement and career advancement, reveals the latest report by Internshala.
The report ‘Navigating GenZ Workplace Expectations in 2024: Insights for HR Professionals’ provides an in-depth exploration of the expectations, aspirations, and preferences of GenZ individuals as they enter the workforce, offering guidance for HR professionals navigating this new landscape.
The report further said that the salary packages rank as a priority for 25% of GenZ, while only 4% are motivated by company culture and 3% by brand reputation. Additional perks like health insurance and ESOPs are a motivator for just 1% of applicants.
Furthermore, GenZ’s optimism in finding a job, with 52% feeling highly optimistic and an additional 23% somewhat optimistic. Work-life balance emerges as a top priority for 84% of GenZ job seekers, with 45% favouring a hybrid work model, 31% preferring remote work, and only 21% opting for traditional in-office setups.
Employer preference among GenZ is diverse, with 40% gravitating towards established brands, 30% showing interest in startups, and 21% preferring small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The report also emphasises the importance of reputation management, with 39% of GenZ job seekers relying on review platforms like Glassdoor to assess potential employers, and 30% relying on the company’s website and online presence.
Furthermore, nearly half (49%) of GenZ individuals view job hopping positively, indicating a willingness to explore diverse career paths. Achieving work-life balance is cited as the primary measure of career success for 48% of GenZ job seekers, followed by financial stability at 29% and career advancement at 12%.
When evaluating potential employers, GenZ focuses on career development opportunities (42%), promotion prospects (38%), and organisational growth trajectory (14%). Access to professional development and advancement opportunities is a priority for 41% of GenZ job seekers, followed by job security (34%) and flexibility in working hours (25%).
GenZ’s perception of AI varies, with 57% viewing it as a valuable asset and 13% anticipating significant changes in job roles. Diversity and inclusion are highly important for 67% of GenZ job seekers, while 70% prioritise companies with sustainability efforts and environmental policies.
“As HR leaders, we must deeply acknowledge the profound emphasis GenZ places on continuous learning and personal growth. The fact that 67% of GenZ job seekers prioritise these opportunities speaks volumes about their hunger for development. It’s not just about offering training programs; it’s about creating a culture that thrives on curiosity and innovation,” Krishna Raghavan, ex-chief people officer (CPO), Flipkart, said.
On Internshala Jobs, peak job application period for GenZ was observed from May to August, with management roles (45%) and engineering roles (32%) being the most popular. Business Development (Sales) and Human Resources (HR) were the top job profiles, and Delhi-NCR emerged as the leading region for job seekers.
“With the rapid influx of GenZ job seekers into the market, it has become increasingly crucial for HR professionals to delve deeper into understanding the nuanced expectations and aspirations of this demographic. To capture a comprehensive understanding of the preferences, motivations, and priorities of this burgeoning talent pool, we have conducted this survey, encompassing insights from over 4700 actively job seeking GenZers. This report offers invaluable insights into the mindset of GenZ individuals as they navigate the landscape of employment opportunities,” Sarvesh Agrawal, founder and CEO, Internshala Jobs, said.