What to Keep in Mind When Hiring Gen Z: Flexibility, Security, Balance

What To Keep In Mind When Hiring Gen Z: Flexibility, Security, Balance

The time has come. We’re seeing more and more job applications coming through from the new generation. But what’s so special about Gen Z? And what does this mean for you and your business?

Generation Z aren’t like their Millennial predecessors. They long for a stable, 9-5 job full of office chit-chat around the water cooler. While flexibility is important to them, it’s a healthy work/life balance they’re striving for after having spent their lives in front of a screen.

But already, we’re seeing a difference in the behavior of Gen Z and Millennials in eCommerce analytics. The new generation is less responsive to current marketing strategies because they don’t feel strongly about the same things as Millennials.

By 2025, almost one-fifth of the American working population will be made up of Gen Zers, so it’s probably time we got to know them.

Source

If this data is anything to go by, we can assume it won’t be long until Gen Zers start knocking at your door. The question is, are you ready for them?

Who are Generation Z?

In most cases, we’re preparing to welcome a new generation into the workplace. In some cases, they’re already there. Gen Z is the term given to those born between 1996 and 2010, coming directly after Millennials.

With such a small gap between the two, you’d be forgiven for thinking the new generation weren’t all that different from their predecessors. However, thanks to technology, our world is evolving at a much quicker pace than ever before. It’s because of this that Millennials and Generation Z have some tell-tale differences.

Source

To start, Gen Z already outnumber Millennials according to Anne Gherini. They are the most technology savvy generation to date, never having lived in a world without Facebook and the internet. They’re tech natives; technology is a second language to them.

Advancing technology and digital change mean that Gen Z are the most highly educated generation ever. However, they also grew up in a recession. They watched their parents struggle in the 2008 economic crash and saw how that affected Millennials trying to enter the property market and deal with college debt.

Key Differences Between Millennials and Gen Z

Your team is already full of Millennials, Gen Z can’t be that different… right? There are some key differences between the two that you need to keep in mind when hiring a Gen Z.

Source

Millennials (or Generation Y in the image above) tend to be idealistic and are driven by experiences. They’re the generation that caused AirBnB and Uber to become unicorn startups in the blink of an eye. They want to get out there, see the world, and make memories. They’re happy working remotely, communicating virtually, and partaking in job simulations.

On the other hand, Gen Zs are pragmatic and focused on saving money. This makes sense – they grew up in a recession whereas millennials were raised during an economic boom. Zs have watched financial struggle in the generations before them, and they place more importance on financial security.

The other big difference between Gen Zers and Millennials is the way they were introduced to tech. Both generations have spent the majority of their life around modern technology, but Millennials are pioneers whereas Gen Z are natives. Neither would be fazed by a free resume builder, new video conferencing software or modern web design. However, Gen Z doesn’t remember life without it.

With this in mind, what do you need to consider when hiring? Based on what we know about the generation, and what we’ve seen from the older Gen Zs entering the workforce, we’ve identified three areas that are going to be increasingly important in a professional environment.

Flexibility

We’re starting to get used to a more flexible working day. More people are working remotely than ever before, and with recruitment chatbots, coding assessments, and virtual meeting software in abundance, it’s looking like things are going to stay that way for some time. However, for Gen Zs, this must remain an option.

People that fall into the Gen Z category want to find their dream job just like the rest of us. They also want that job to be stimulating while fitting in with their lifestyle. The idea of a healthy work/life balance isn’t just an idea to this generation – it’s a deal-breaker.

It may be time to start considering what is workforce optimization WFH software and how could it help your employees to improve their work/life balance?

There are more Gen Zers freelancing than previous generations. The youngest workforce appears to be brave enough to ditch the 9-5 and take on the challenge of managing their own income.

Source

The problem with this is that once you start managing yourself, it’s much harder to hand control over to someone else. They’ve had a taste of what a healthy work/life balance feels like, whether they’ve done some freelancing or spoken to their friends.

Now, they’re not ready to give it up to sit behind a desk hanging on their business virtual phone service.

However, there’s nothing to worry about. Generation Z doesn’t love freelancing because they don’t want to work for anybody else. They love it because of the freedom and flexibility it offers.

A flexible work environment allows them to work when they’re feeling most productive and switch off the screen when it feels impossible. There are several benefits to employers and employees.

That’s something businesses will have to implement soon if they haven’t done so already.

Security

You might think that growing up in a recession, watching their parents and the generation above them struggle with the aftermath, would make Gen Zers hungry for money. That’s not entirely the case, although the recession did leave a mark on them.

What Generation Z wants is stability and security. Believe it or not, they can’t wait to put on their work attire and head to the office. Unlike their predecessors, they aren’t jumping at the possibility of working from home or having another virtual meeting. Don’t try and leverage recruitment chatbots to get more of them through the door.

Gen Zs want to build relationships with their colleagues in a face-to-face environment. After a lifetime in front of a screen, they’re hungry to enter a real-world office and build a solid foundation.

All of this stems from their need for security and stability – it’s not money they’re chasing, it’s a career. This is worth noting if you’re hiring a Gen Zer, especially in the current climate. How can you make your employees feel more secure in their position?

Financial remuneration seems to be everyone’s first choice, but that’s not what Gen Z is after. Try training your employees in new skills, such as managing call center data, and giving them time to work on their own projects alongside their work.

This will make your newest employees feel like valued members of the team, allowing them to build foundations and increase their job security.

Balance

So we’re facing a new generation, the largest, smartest, and most tech-savvy ever, and we’re expected to offer them secure and stable career opportunities that can fit around their lives? It sounds impossible, but is it?

What this generation wants more than anything is a healthy work/life balance. They grew up with more awareness of mental health and the benefits of looking after yourself. They know the side effects of stress, poor diets, sleepless nights, and the other downsides that come with a high-pressure job.

Source

They don’t want the flexibility to slack off and do nothing; they want to give themselves to their job fully. To do this, they understand the need to take care of themselves. Giving Gen Zers a healthy work/life balance gives you the best chance to build a happy, motivated, and productive workforce.

Implementing this is easier said than done. You’ll have to review your annual leave policy and encourage people to make the most of any flexible working scheme you offer. Speak to your current employees to see how they feel about their work/life balance and if there is anything more you can do.

There’s one thing we should all prepare for – Generation Z won’t be quiet about their expectations in the workplace. If you want to create an environment that Gen Zers will thrive in, go directly to the source and ask them what they want.

Should You Hire Gen Zers?

In short, yes. This is the first generation to grow up with a smartphone and not remember life without the internet. Millennials brought the workplace up to speed when it came to technology and connectivity, and Gen Zers will only add to this.

But that’s not the best part.

Generation Z wants flexibility, security, and balance. In return, 77% of them expect to work harder than previous generations. This transition won’t happen overnight; it might be years before you hire your first Gen Zer. But know that when you do, the way you operate your business will need adjustments.

You’ll have to offer flexibility to allow the younger generation to work when they are feeling most productive. Although security is important to them, Generation Z isn’t scared of hard work and freelancing.

It’s down to you to create a working environment that offers a good amount of flexibility, security, and balance. I’d recommend you start now, because the next generation of employees is already ten steps ahead of us.

15 Ways to Win More Customers for Your Landscaping Business

BOOKAFY BLOG 15 Ways to Win More Customers for Your Landscaping Business IN THIS POST Operating a landscape business necessitates a commitment to delivering exceptional service, as this is essential

How Text-Based Communication Is Changing Appointment Booking for Hard-of-Hearing Business Owners

BOOKAFY BLOG How Text-Based Communication Is Changing Appointment Booking for Hard-of-Hearing Business Owners IN THIS POST Traditional phone calls have long been challenging for hard-of-hearing business owners, creating friction where

SEO Beyond Keywords: How Technological Advancements Are Changing Search Engine Rankings

BOOKAFY BLOG SEO Beyond Keywords: How Technological Advancements Are Changing Search Engine Rankings IN THIS POST The search engine optimization (SEO) landscape continues to evolve rapidly. We may have started

How Modern Invoice Generators Save Small Businesses 5+ Hours Weekly

BOOKAFY BLOG How Modern Invoice Generators Save Small Businesses 5+ Hours Weekly IN THIS POST Small business owners often find themselves wearing many hats — from sales and marketing to

5 Tools You Must Have To Market Your Business Offline

BOOKAFY BLOG 5 Tools You Must Have To Market Your Business Offline IN THIS POST Marketing your business offline might sound old-school, but it is still one of the most

How to Help Prospects Avoid Ghosting You

BOOKAFY BLOG How to Help Prospects Avoid Ghosting You IN THIS POST Ghosting is not a new thing. It has always existed in different aspects of life. However, it got

How Automated Scheduling Improves Due Diligence in Private Equity Transactions

BOOKAFY BLOG How Automated Scheduling Improves Due Diligence in Private Equity Transactions IN THIS POST Due diligence is a vital step in private equity transactions. Investors thoroughly examine potential target

Tips for Scaling Small Venture Effectively

Smart Expansion: Key Tips for Scaling Your Small Venture Effectively

BOOKAFY BLOG Smart Expansion: Key Tips for Scaling Your Small Venture Effectively IN THIS POST The process of growing a small business often comes with both excitement and fear. Just

What is a SaaS Agency and How Do They Set Themselves Apart From Fellow SaaS Competitors?

BOOKAFY BLOG What is a SaaS Agency and How Do They Set Themselves Apart From Fellow SaaS Competitors? IN THIS POST The world of Software as a Service (SaaS) has

How OpenAI API Integration Services Drive AI Implementation Across Industries

BOOKAFY BLOG How OpenAI API Integration Services Drive AI Implementation Across Industries IN THIS POST The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized industries, driving innovation, efficiency, and new opportunities

The Future of Appointment Scheduling: Leveraging Technology for Business Growth

BOOKAFY BLOG The Future of Appointment Scheduling: Leveraging Technology for Business Growth IN THIS POST Effortless appointment scheduling has become a key driver of success for businesses in a customer-focused

Employee Recognition Trends: Make Your Program Stand Out in 2025

BOOKAFY BLOG Employee Recognition Trends: Make Your Program Stand Out in 2025 IN THIS POST Want to build a company culture where employees are motivated, engaged, and excited to contribute

The Benefits of Calendar Syncing Between CRM and Booking Apps

BOOKAFY BLOG The Benefits of Calendar Syncing Between CRM and Booking Apps IN THIS POST The harmonious integration of client interaction systems with appointment tools is more than a mere

Appointment Links for Social Media Marketing

Why Appointment Links Are Essential for Social Media Marketing

BOOKAFY BLOG Why Appointment Links Are Essential for Social Media Marketing IN THIS POST In today’s digital age, social media is like a magic wand — it lets businesses build

Mobile Scheduling Apps For Field Sales Teams

The Impact of Mobile Scheduling Apps on Field Sales Teams

BOOKAFY BLOG The Impact of Mobile Scheduling Apps on Field Sales Teams IN THIS POST A sales rep typically spends only 39% of their time interacting with prospects. The rest

How To Effectively Manage Employee Performance For Growth And Success

BOOKAFY BLOG How To Effectively Manage Employee Performance For Growth And Success IN THIS POST It’s no mystery that happy, engaged, and high-performing employees can directly contribute to the growth

What to Keep in Mind When Hiring Gen Z: Flexibility, Security, Balance | Bookafy

SEO for Beginners: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs Looking to Establish Online Success

BOOKAFY BLOG SEO for Beginners: Basic Hacks for Entrepreneur Success IN THIS POST SEO for Beginners: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs Looking to Establish Online Success Search engine optimization (SEO)

Reducing No-Shows Through Smart Booking Systems

BOOKAFY BLOG Reducing No-Shows Through Smart Booking Systems IN THIS POST Smart scheduling software is revolutionizing how businesses manage appointments. It not only minimizes absences, but also boosts operational efficiency.

Eco-Friendly Business Practices Through Efficient Appointment Scheduling

BOOKAFY BLOG Eco-Friendly Business Practices Through Efficient Appointment Scheduling IN THIS POST Effective booking management is crucial not only for maintaining organizational processes, but also for promoting green practices. By

Company Growth Management: Trends in Recruiting and Employee Onboarding for 2025

BOOKAFY BLOG Company Growth Management: Trends in Recruiting and Employee Onboarding for 2025 IN THIS POST As businesses gear up for 2025, managing growth effectively requires focusing on the most

AI In Cybersecurity In 2025

BOOKAFY BLOG AI In Cybersecurity In 2025 IN THIS POST Technology is evolving faster than ever, and with it comes an increased need for better security in the digital world.

Common QA Testing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

BOOKAFY BLOG Common QA Testing Mistakes & How to Avoid Them IN THIS POST Quality assurance (QA) testing is crucial to ensure that software performs as expected. It helps to

Blockchain for Secure Appointment Scheduling

Leveraging Blockchain for Secure and Transparent Appointment Scheduling

BOOKAFY BLOG Leveraging Blockchain for Secure and Transparent Appointment Scheduling IN THIS POST Today, people are looking for the most convenient way to manage their schedules. They want to make

Outsourcing Non-Core Activities: Determining What’s Best for Your Business

BOOKAFY BLOG Outsourcing Non-Core Activities: Determining What’s Best for Your Business IN THIS POST Outsourcing is a strategic move that can allow you to focus on what truly matters for

The Power of Different Digital Planner Templates for Personal Use

BOOKAFY BLOG The Power of Different Digital Planner Templates for Personal Use IN THIS POST Staying organized and productive is more crucial than ever nowadays. Digital planners have emerged as

How to Start an eCommerce Business in 2025?

BOOKAFY BLOG How to Start an eCommerce Business in 2025? IN THIS POST Starting an eCommerce business in 2025 might seem challenging, but fear not-it’s easier than ever. If you

Top 5 Best Social Media Management Tools In 2024

BOOKAFY BLOG IN THIS POST Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives and a valuable marketing tool for businesses. It allows companies to connect with their

Strategic IT Outsourcing for Competitive Advantage

BOOKAFY BLOG Strategic IT Outsourcing for Competitive Advantage IN THIS POST You’re sitting in your office, looking over your business’s IT infrastructure, and you can feel that familiar weight settling

Optimize Your Business With Technology Management Solutions

BOOKAFY BLOG Optimize Your Business With Technology Management Solutions IN THIS POST Are you ready to future proof your business? To stay ahead, businesses need to keep up with new

How to Maximize Productivity With Service Booking Tools

BOOKAFY BLOG How to Maximize Productivity With Service Booking Tools IN THIS POST Are you tired of juggling endless appointments and managing client requests manually? Well, many service-based professionals, from

How To Create A Customized Appointment Scheduling System

BOOKAFY BLOG How To Create A Customized Appointment Scheduling System IN THIS POST Imagine juggling dozens of appointments manually—keeping track of who’s coming, who’s canceled, and whether or not your

Service Desk vs. Help Desk: What’s the Difference?

BOOKAFY BLOG Service Desk vs. Help Desk: What’s the Difference? IN THIS POST The terms, service desk and help desk, are often used interchangeably in the world of customer service.

Effective Offline Marketing Ideas for Startups in 2024

Effective Offline Marketing Ideas for Startups in 2024 There are so many things that go into startups. You need to make sure you have the right team, figure out a

Maximizing Business Efficiency With Right Scheduling Software

Maximizing Business Efficiency: Choosing and Implementing the Right Scheduling Software

BOOKAFY BLOG Maximizing Business Efficiency: Choosing and Implementing the Right Scheduling Software IN THIS POST Efficient time management is crucial for success in any fast-paced business environment. Scheduling software has

How Social Media Platforms Harvest and Use Your Personal Data

BOOKAFY BLOG How Social Media Platforms Harvest and Use Your Personal Data IN THIS POST Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok have become deeply embedded in our

How to Book a Professional Floor Coating Service: a Step-by-Step Guide

BOOKAFY BLOG How to Book a Professional Floor Coating Service: a Step-by-Step Guide IN THIS POST Floor coatings are a great way to protect and enrich the look of your

Automating the Invoicing Process with Streamlined Software Solutions

BOOKAFY BLOG Automating the Invoicing Process with Streamlined Software Solutions IN THIS POST With streamlined software solutions, you can transform your accounts payable department by automating tasks such as data

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Customer Scheduling Experiences

BOOKAFY BLOG Leveraging AI for Enhanced Customer Scheduling Experiences IN THIS POST Positive customer experience is the core of any business success. It’s especially important when it comes to scheduling

What Is SaaS Marketing? 5 Tips to Do It Effectively

BOOKAFY BLOG What Is SaaS Marketing? 5 Tips to Do It Effectively IN THIS POST Right from 2010, the SaaS business model has been snowballing. Experts predict that by the

5 Critical Scheduling Tips For Keeping Your Transport Business On Track

BOOKAFY BLOG IN THIS POST Keeping a transport business on-schedule is no longer reliant solely on pen, paper and person-to-person communication. We’re in a time of digitization, automation and ever-increasing

Smart Branding: How AI Tools Are Changing The Game

Got a brilliant SaaS product idea? You’re already on the path to creating a potentially ground-breaking solution! But what’s next? In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps of transforming your SaaS product idea into a reality. So, fasten your seat belts as we navigate the exciting journey of SaaS product development together!