Gen Z at Work: How the New Workforce Is Changing Corporate Visuals

The young generation of employees, known as Gen Z, will surpass Baby Boomers in numbers in the workplace this year, and by 2030 they will account for 30% of the entire workforce. This is a major trend shaping stock visual content.

Gen Z is not only the first generation to grow up in a fully digital era, but also one whose coming of age coincided with significant technological, economic, environmental, and political changes. These shifts strongly influence their priorities and values, shaping their expectations for workplace structure, benefits, and culture.

Many organizations are adjusting their policies and cultural norms to attract and retain young employees, since 57% of Gen Z workers plan to change jobs within the next year. Unlike previous generations, they don’t feel tied to a single employer and don’t fear job loss in the same way.
These changes are literally transforming business, reshaping ideas of what working life and corporate culture should look like.

Flexibility: Where and When We Work

Gen Z is 77% more likely to apply for job postings that include the word “flexibility.” This is the highest rate across all generations, compared to only 30% among Millennials.
Research also shows that many employees are ready to quit if their employer insists on a full return to the office.

Self-Expression

Carrying over remote-work habits from the pandemic, Gen Z is creating a more casual work culture, where people dress, communicate, and interact with colleagues in a more relaxed style.
This generation also rejects one-dimensional identities, preferring to experiment with different looks and styles, redefining what “appropriate for work” means.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Issues

As the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history, Gen Z expects to see this reflected in their work environments. They also want employers to demonstrate honesty, empathy, and fairness. According to surveys, 77% of Gen Z believe it is important to work at a company that cares about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Social and environmental issues are also high on their agenda.

Workplace Perks and Benefits

When it comes to retention, Gen Z values flexibility, meaningful work, and opportunities for career growth more than salary alone. They also appreciate perks such as free meals and other benefits that help save money in everyday life.

Collaboration and Communication

Gen Z employees prefer teamwork and collaborative settings, believing that working together drives innovation within organizations. They are also vocal about what they dislike in corporate culture and quick to respond to cultural mismatches.

Career Development and Mentorship

Gen Z thrives on mentorship, recognizing the need for guidance. Surveys show that 83% consider mentorship important for their growth, but only 52% currently have a mentor, while 48% wish for more training in essential skills.

Work-Life Balance and Mental Health

The top priority for Gen Z is to create a harmonious balance between work and personal life, where work enhances quality of life rather than being a source of stress. They openly discuss mental health challenges and seek professional help more frequently than previous generations.

Adobe Stock’s “Gen Z at Work” collection is available here.

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About the Author

Anastasia has been a full-time stock contributor since 2009. 

After six years of running the popular trend and ideas blog for the Russian-speaking stock community from around the world, she’s launching its new English edition, be.trendy.stockcreator, to give visual stock creators twice-weekly briefs on the hottest themes, trends, keywords, and low-competition niches. 

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