What Gen Z wants from their employers

Born between 1996 and 2012, Gen Z now makes up 23% of the Australian workforce. Following the hustle culture and “girl boss” movement that defined the Millennial work ethic, this emerging generation is bringing a fresh set of values, and demands, to the table. With a purpose-driven mindset, higher turnover rates, and a flair for creativity, they’ve often been labelled as entitled or lazy. But maybe it’s time we started learning from them instead.

As the oldest Gen Zs enter their late 20s, and with Baby Boomers retiring, it’s crucial that workplaces understand what matters to this generation and how to harness their potential.

Gen Z wants more than a salary; they want impact and purpose. 70% of Gen Z workers say they prioritise working for an employer with strong ethical values, compared to 58% of Millennials and 47% of Gen X. And these ethics go beyond sustainability targets or social impact, they include how employers treat, support, and value their people.

When company values don’t align, Gen Z employees don’t hesitate to walk away. Nearly half (49%) will leave a job within two years if they’re dissatisfied with company culture or work-life balance, more than Millennials (41%) and Gen X (33%). They’re not chasing long tenures; they’re chasing flexibility, growth, and authenticity.

This generation is also redefining professional boundaries. Logging off at 5pm, taking full lunch breaks, and resisting the pressure to “go the extra mile” are not signs of laziness, but acts of self-preservation. According to Gartner’s 2024 Global Talent Monitor, only 12% of Gen Z employees in Australia are willing to go above and beyond for their employer, significantly lower than older generations. But maybe that’s the point, they're not here to burn out but to learn and grow.  

What Gen Z really wants

Great Place to Work surveyed 32,000 Gen Z employees across 350 companies and found that they want:

• Diverse and inclusive workplaces

• Liveable pay

• Mentally healthy and safe environments

• Work that has purpose and meaning

To attract and retain top Gen Z talent, businesses must rethink how they show up for their people. It’s not about bean bags or free snacks, it’s about fostering real wellbeing, meaningful work, and modern support systems.

The first generation to grow up with technology Gen Z is more likely to prefer online support tools. In fact, around one in five Gen Z employees seek wellbeing support online. That’s why traditional one-off workshops or forced team-building days often fall flat.

With our online wellbeing platform, The HUB, your team can access over 100 expert-designed resources - anytime, anywhere. From live classes and webinars to quizzes and toolkits, The HUB is updated monthly with topics that resonate most with your younger workforce, including burnout, boundaries, focus, and mental health. And it works;18–24-year-olds are currently our most active users, followed closely by those aged 25–30.

Gen Z is showing us a better way forward, one where mental health, purpose, and balance are non-negotiable. Empower your people with real support, not just perks. Create a workplace that does more than pay the bills, build one that helps people thrive.

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