Generation Z

What Is Generation Z?

The Gen Z age range covers anyone born between 1997 and 2012, making up 20% of the US population as of 2023. Generation Z (also called Gen Z, Zoomers, or post-millennials) is the second-youngest generation, with Millennials before and Generation Alpha after. Gen Z’s birth years fall between the late 1990s and early 2010s.

Generation Z Age Range: What Age Are Generation Z?

Most sources agree that the Gen Z population was born between 1997 and 2012, meaning that the Gen Z age range is roughly between  13 and 28 years old as of 2025.

Gen Z is one of the most recently categorized, but others include:

• Baby Boomers. Born between 1946 and 1964.
• Generation X. Born between 1965 and 1980.
• Millennials or Generation Y. Born between 1981 and 1996.

Who Are Gen Z and What Are Their Lifestyle Values?

Gen Z is the most diverse generation so far in US history, with 48% identifying as:

• American Indian or Alaska Native (2%)
• Asian and Pacific Islander (6%)
• Black or African American (15%)
• Hispanic or Latino (25%)

They are also referred to as “digital natives” since they grew up in the years after the advent of the internet and during the rise of smartphones.

Gen Z faces an unprecedented behavioral and work health crisis. According to Mental Health America, 71% report unhealthy work health scores. Stressors, such as global unrest, financial crises, global warming, and educational interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have all impacted the behavioral health of Gen Z.

Fortunately, they are generally open-minded about receiving mental health support and help from experts. It may be more important than ever to check in and measure employee engagement with your employees in the Gen Z age range to make sure they’re doing okay.

Although the Gen Z population faces many pressing concerns, they’re known for their idealism, meaning they generally have socially progressive views and advocate for eco-friendly practices and equal treatment of others.

What Do Generation Z Consider Important in Life?

When employing Gen Z, it’s good to understand what they consider important so you can offer benefits and values that align to keep your top talent happy. The Generation Z age range tends to value:

• Higher Education:  83% of the Generation Z age range say a college degree is ‘very’ or fairly important. And 62% of Gen Z students in middle or high school want to pursue a postsecondary degree.
• Economic Security:  The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted about a third of Gen Z’s financial security. As a result, the Gen Z population saves more money now compared to when the pandemic began. However, 41% of this age cohort don’t have anything saved for emergencies. Many have an entrepreneurial mindset, often challenging the traditional work model.
• Civic Engagement:  About 70% of Gen Z believe the government should be more active in addressing various social problems, such as residential segregation and disability discrimination. They are also comfortable driving change themselves and engaging in digital activism.

What Advantages Does Hiring Generation Z Have?

As a demographic, Gen Z embodies the definition of entrepreneurial ambition and their technological prowess can benefit them as they continue carving out their space in the workforce. If you can entice a Gen Z to work for you then you’ll benefit, research from Square has discovered that 46% of Gen Z want to be their own boss.

Gen Z may offer many other advantages to create a great company culture, such as:

• Adaptability and Resilience:  Having experienced several economic and societal changes like the Great Recession and virtual learning during the pandemic, Gen Z can quickly adjust to ambiguity in the workplace and creatively solve problems.
• Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:  A diverse workforce can enhance collaboration, help find creative solutions, and improve employee wellbeing. A study by Cloverpop, revealed that a diverse team makes better decisions 87% of the time, compared to 58% for an all male team. Nearly half (49%) of Gen Z also think leaders best show fairness by treating everyone equally.
• Social and Environmental Consciousness:  Gen Z employees can motivate companies to adopt more socially responsible initiatives and improve brand reputation. Square’s research also discovered that 40% of respondents want to make a difference in their community with their work.

What Do Gen Z Value in the Workplace?

All generations value different things within the workplace. But by 2025, according to the McKinsey Quarterly, Gen Z could make up over a quarter of the global workforce. So, it may be crucial, now more than ever, to understand this age range. While salary is still an important factor when considering a job, Gen Z appears to be driven by the prospect of doing meaningful work and the chance to be a catalyst for social change.

To effectively recruit and manage Gen Z, companies should:

• Encourage work-life balance  by offering flexible work schedules, allowing remote work, and respecting their time.
• Prioritize teamwork. After the isolation experienced during the pandemic, Gen Z values regular team meetings to feel like they’re a part of something bigger.
• Offer career advancement opportunities  by giving them ownership over meaningful projects, providing professional development resources like industry conferences, and promoting from within.
• Prioritize diversity and inclusion  so everyone has a seat at the table.
• Commit to social responsibility  and implement business practices that prioritize equity and help the environment.
• Provide mental health benefits,  as well as traditional benefits, such as telehealth counseling and paid time off for mental health days. Employees benefit from relaxation and rejuvenation, but this generation prioritizes it.