Gen Z is more focused on money than millennials.
Today’s teens or the generation after millennials seem to be more traditional in their workplace priorities and more focused on a job itself, rather than work-life balance, according to a new survey from the jobs site Monster.
Gen Z’s three most important priorities in any job are health insurance, a competitive salary and a boss they respect, the survey found.
Millennials instead value health insurance, paid time off and work-life balance.
The youngsters also appear more motivated by money. Fifty-eight percent of Gen Z survey respondents were willing to work nights and weekends for a better salary, compared to 35 percent of millennials.
See also: 5 Money Conversations you’re going to have a work (and how to handle them)
They’re also a bit more flexible on location. Sixty-seven percent of Gen Z would relocate for a new job, compared to 61 percent of millennials.
“We’re seeing drastic differences between what drives employees in Gen Z compared to previous generations like Millennials,” said Seth Matheson, director of Talent Fusion by Monster, Monster’s team of in-house recruiters. “At this stage in the recruiting game, employers looking to attract future talent need to expand their focus beyond Millennials to understand the next generation’s unique, practical job must-haves, and proactively develop a working environment that will keep them happy and motivated.”
So why is Gen Z more focused on life within work, rather than outside of it?
Most of Gen Z hasn’t entered the workforce yet. The generation starts with those born in the mid-to-late 1990s, now in their late teens.
It’s possible that their view from outside the workforce shapes how Gen Z members are prioritizing their workplace needs.
Plus, it’s important to note, millennials aren’t saying they want the free office perks they’re so often painted as needing. Instead, millennials are prioritizing work-life balance over just work.
The Monster study surveyed 2,000 people in the US across generations. It categorized Gen Z respondents as those between 15 and 20 years old when they answered.
On the whole, Monster says its results are good news for employers.
“Employers can expect Gen Z to make a positive impact on the future of their companies if they start proactively preparing for them now,” Matheson said.
