Statshot: Understanding Gen Z—The youngest workers in the Pacific Northwest are shaking things up

Ever wonder why you don’t understand your 25-year-old coworker? Or how to supervise or motivate the youngest members in the workforce?

A 2022 “Gen Z Spotlight Report” by Washington State University’s Carson College of Business finds that Pacific Northwest Gen Z workers (roughly defined as those born between 1995 and 2012) prioritize company values more than any previous generation. The report also found that the vast majority of Gen Z employees believe that the pandemic has slowed their career trajectory. As a result, they expect their companies to provide resources they need to grow. Fully 79% say their companies’ values must align with their own.

Here’s a snapshot:

• 38%: Want their company to provide mental-health resources.
  40%: Want the opportunity to increase wages.
  47%: Ready to return to in-person work.
  55%: Unsure of their company’s future.
  63%: Traditional 9-to-5 office setting doesn’t work.
  74%: Additional training boosts morale.
  79%: Company values must mirror their own.
  80%: Have skills to help their company.
  82%: DEI is a “must-have.”

Source: Washington State University, Carson College of Business

Quote

“Every organization is looking to support employee flexibility and improve productivity. Hybrid work is now just work.”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

Big Number

$121.2 billion

Amazon’s second-quarter earnings, which easily exceeded Wall Street expectations.