Gen Z most demanding generation in the workplace

New research has revealed that Gen Z workers are the most demanding when it comes to salary expectations.

As many as 67% of hiring managers said they feel Gen Z has become more demanding about their salary expectations, followed by 64% of millennials, 37% of Gen X and 22% of baby boomers.

However, the Robert Half 2025 Salary Guide did find that, overall, job security is more valued more than anything else.

The research also highlighted to businesses that Gen Z workers are more likely to be motivated by jobs that align with their values and give them purpose and will be drawn to organisations that make a positive impact on society and the environment, promote a culture of continuous growth and development, and encourage autonomy and entrepreneurship.

As Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland, at Robert Half, explained, this is putting further pressure on employers that are already contending with budget constraints and skills shortages: “Gen Z might be the most digitally-savvy demographic in the workforce, but according to our research they are also the most demanding when it comes to pay and remuneration.

“As businesses struggle to balance already limited budgets with the need to recruit and develop emerging generations, carefully developed talent attraction strategies that appeal to Gen Z will be a priority.

“Given that this demographic is the future of the workforce, it’s critical that employers find a way to strike the right balance between remuneration and retention strategies that build loyalty longer-term. The fact that our data shows that Gen Z is willing to consider additional perks and benefits where pay increases aren’t feasible shows that there are alternative routes to attracting and engaging this generation.

“With Gen Z ultimately driven by meaning and purpose, businesses could employ alternative engagement methods, such as showing how their role contributes to the larger goals of the company and the world. Emphasising the social impact or ethical dimensions of their work and involving them in sustainability or social responsibility initiatives can go a long way.”

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