posted 24th September 2025
Gen Z at Work: What Young Professionals Expect from Employers in 2025
The world of recruitment has experienced a wide range of changes in recent years, with Gen Z being a prominent reason for its transformation.
Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are the generation that’s currently taking the workforce by storm - with record numbers stepping into roles across industries. Having grown up in the digital era, surrounded by constant technological advancements, Gen Z are known as digital natives, socially conscious with global connections.
Gen Z stands apart from previous generations as they seek careers that support flexible lifestyles and attract growth opportunities. In 2025, Gen Z has a big influence on the workplace regarding recruitment processes, employer branding, and workplace structure. Based on this, it's important for employers to attract Gen Z candidates by positioning themselves as modern, forward-thinking employers.
In this article, we’ll explore the unique priorities Gen Z has in the workplace including mental health support, purpose-driven work, transparent leadership, flexible environments, and digital-first processes. We’ll also provide expert advice on how employers can adapt their job design, communication, and benefits to meet these expectations, and how NuStaff can help employers bridge generational gaps to strengthen their hiring strategies.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Gen Z has grown up in a world where wellbeing is openly discussed in the workplace - something that previous generations rarely experienced.
Employers that provide mental health support and embed wellbeing into workplace culture are seen as essential by Gen Z in 2025 – and often a deciding factor in whether they apply for a role at a company.
Gen Z looks for employers that:
- Offer proactive and trustworthy support systems
- Encourage openness in the workplace
- Focus on improving and sustaining wellbeing
- Recognise the importance of work-life balance
- Recognise the link between wellbeing and work performance
Purpose and Values at Work
With so many career options available nowadays, Gen Z is seen as a generation motivated by purpose-driven work and seeking opportunities that enable them to connect with their employer and feel engaged in their role. As a result, they are on the hunt to find organisations that align with their mission, values, culture, lifestyle flexibility and those that actively make a positive change in these areas.
There are many ways employers can attract Gen Z talent, such as:
- Define a clear mission and vision: Show how your company makes an impact beyond profit through sustainability, innovation, or community fundraising
- Demonstrating values daily: Embedding inclusivity, diversity, and responsibility into your workplace culture
- Creating meaningful roles: Showing potential Gen Z candidates how their contributions connect to the bigger picture
- Encouraging employee involvement: CSR projects, volunteering, and environmental initiatives
- Demonstrating authenticity: Showing your company is authentic by backing words with actions, not empty statements
Transparent Leadership and Communication
In addition to wellbeing support and a workplace with strong values, Gen Z seeks employers who demonstrate transparency, approachability and open communication. This helps build a foundation of trust, loyalty, and respect with Gen Z candidates.
Gen Z expects employers to demonstrate:
- Clarity and openness: Honest communication on company performance, strategy and challenges
- Approachability: Employers that listen to feedback constructively, build a positive rapport with employees and demonstrate empathy
- Feedback: Provide regular check-ins supported by constructive training
- Leadership visibility: A workplace where all leadership figures are accessible and present
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Flexibility remains a prominent workplace factor in 2025, accelerated by the shift to hybrid and remote working after the global pandemic. As a result, Gen Z views flexibility as an advantage in their early careers and a standard expectation within roles.
For employers, it’s important to show an understanding that every candidate has a different lifestyle and requires flexibility. As a result, embracing and incorporating work-life balance into job roles will earn the respect and trust of Gen Z candidates – in addition to enhancing your reputation for modern leadership.
For Gen Z, flexibility can include:
- Hybrid and remote options: Supporting employees to work where they’re most productive, including at home or the office
- Flexitime arrangements: Particularly valuable for employees balancing education, family, or lifestyle commitments
- Policies that respect personal lives: This includes flexible holiday structures or parental leave
- Workplace trust and autonomy: Supporting employees in managing workloads in ways that play to their strengths
Digital-First Processes and Tools
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up in a world where digital skills are embedded into everyday life. They are accustomed to fast, seamless, tech-driven environments – which means they expect employers to reflect this in their business model.
A digital-first approach is key to attracting Gen Z talent and demonstrates why they should choose your company.
For Gen Z, a company that shows a digital-first workplace means:
- Seamless recruitment journeys: Mobile-friendly applications, efficient replies and transparency
- Modern collaboration platforms: Replacing outdated tools with the likes of Microsoft Teams, Asana, or Trello for efficient communication
- Invest in AI tools: Embrace new technologies to improve efficiency and enhance processes
- Digital learning opportunities: E-learning platforms and resources for professional growth and development
Adapting to the Gen Z Workforce in 2025
With Gen Z shaping the future of recruitment, employers must cater to their expectations while aligning with their own business model, values, and culture.
Addressing these areas can strengthen your business model, enhance your brand reputation and attract the attention of Gen Z candidates – showcasing your business as modern and inclusive.
These areas can include:
- Adapting Job Design: Adapt job design by highlighting wellbeing, flexibility, and growth opportunities with clear career paths for progression
- Improving Communication: Improve communication by providing clarity, regular feedback and thorough training
- Redefining Benefits: Redefine benefits by offering wellbeing packages, flexible working options and mentoring programmes
How Winberry Helps Employers Bridge the Gap
At Winberry, we know how important it is to adapt your recruitment strategy to attract Gen Z talent while staying true to your business mission, values, culture and goals.
That’s why, as recruitment experts, we support businesses by:
- Designing recruitment strategies tailored to the needs of Gen Z candidates
- Strengthening your employer branding to stand out in a competitive market
- Improving recruitment processes by applying modern, candidate-first approaches
- Offering expert advice on building inclusive and collaborative teams.
By choosing Winberry for expert recruitment advice, your business can bridge generational gaps and design recruitment strategies that attract and retain Gen Z candidates for long-term success.
Contact Winberry for Expert Advice
🌐 Visit: www.win-berry.co.uk