7 Surprising Ways Gen Z Is Redefining the Workplace – And What Employers Must Do Now

June 20, 2025

Move over, millennials – Generation Z is now entering the workforce in full force, and they’re bringing with them a radically new approach to work. From TikTok resumes and emojis in emails to AI-driven interviews, Gen Z is redefining everything we thought we knew about the workplace.

Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z-ers are digital natives, socially conscious, and deeply values-driven. As employers, if you want to attract, engage, and retain this generation, it’s time to rethink your strategies – fast.

Let’s dive into the 7 surprising ways Gen Z is changing the workplace, and what it means for your organisation.

1. TikTok Resumes Are a Real Thing (Yes, Really)

Gen Z is taking self-presentation to the next level – think less paper resume, more 60-second pitch videos with jump cuts, captions, and trending audio. TikTok resumes allow them to showcase personality, creativity, and confidence – skills that a traditional CV may not capture.

What you can do:

If you’re hiring for roles in marketing, design, media, or other creative fields, consider accepting short video introductions or portfolios. Embrace platforms where Gen Z thrives – you might just discover untapped talent.

2. Emoji-Infused Communication Is Now Mainstream

A smiley face or a thumbs-up may once have seemed out of place in a professional email. Not anymore. For Gen Z, emojis are a natural part of digital expression – and they view them as enhancing clarity, tone, and friendliness.

What you can do:

While it’s important to maintain professionalism, allow flexibility in tone and communication styles internally. You’ll foster authenticity and improve team engagement – without compromising brand reputation.

3. AI Interviews? No Problem

Gen Z is more comfortable interacting with AI than any generation before. Whether it’s preparing answers for chatbots or undergoing pre-recorded video assessments scored by algorithms, they’re open to using tech at every step of the job search.

What you can do:

Make your hiring process Gen Z-friendly by ensuring it’s mobile-first, fast, and tech-integrated. But don’t lose the human touch – combine AI efficiency with genuine human follow-up.

4. Mental Health Is a Workplace Priority

For Gen Z, mental wellness is non-negotiable. They expect employers to support them through burnout prevention, flexibility, and access to mental health resources.

What you can do:

Offer flexible work schedules, normalise conversations around mental wellbeing, and promote access to counselling or wellness benefits. Your culture will benefit – not just your bottom line.

5. Values-Led Careers Matter More Than Money

Gen Z cares deeply about social causes and expects employers to stand for something beyond profit. They want to work for companies that align with their personal values – whether that’s sustainability, diversity, or ethical business practices.

What you can do:

Make your values visible. Highlight your DEI efforts, community initiatives, and sustainability commitments in your recruitment and branding efforts.

6. Career Growth > Job Stability

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z isn’t looking for a job for life – they’re looking for growth, skills, and experiences. If a role feels stagnant, they’re likely to move on.

What you can do:

Invest in learning and development. Micro-learning platforms, mentorship programmes, and project-based experiences go a long way in retaining this fast-moving generation.

7. Feedback Must Be Frequent and Constructive

Annual reviews just don’t cut it. Gen Z expects regular, actionable feedback to help them grow. They also appreciate transparency and open communication from leadership.

What you can do:

Implement weekly or monthly check-ins, and use real-time feedback tools. A coaching culture beats a top-down approach – every time.

Final Thoughts

Welcoming Gen Z into your workforce means more than updating your tech stack. It means evolving your mindset, your communication, and your leadership style. The good news? Companies that adapt will not only win Gen Z talent – they’ll build a future-ready organisation.

Is your company ready for Gen Z? At The GMP Group, we help you stay ahead of hiring trends with recruitment solutions tailored for the next generation of talent.