Gen Z employees value 'stable income, personal achievement' — Ateneo study

Gen Z workers, the youngest members of the workforce, are actually hard workers who "value both a stable income and personal achievement," according to the research from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).

New research more or less dispelled the popular notion that members of the Gen Z generation are "vapid, attention-seeking brats."

The ADMU study of Gen Z workers or those who were born between 1995 and 2012 showed that they "tend to look for meaningful and fulfilling work environments but also willingly forego creature comforts in favor of long-term financial stability."

The research was conducted through 40 qualitative interviews determining the work motivations of Gen Z workers. Findings from the interviews were later validated through an online survey of 132 Gen Z employees.

In the paper entitled “Motivating Filipino Generation Z employees at work: enablers and outcomes” that was published in the journal Evidence-based HRM in October 2024, the researchers found that seeking financial stability among Gen Z employees is also driven by familial responsibilities, which is part of Filipino culture.

Young workers seek competitive salaries and benefits to support themselves and their loved ones. 

“Family is a significant motivator for their work, as they strive to provide a good life for their loved ones. Some participants (of the study) who are the eldest child also reported feeling a greater sense of responsibility to provide for their family,” the researchers from the ADMU’s Department of Psychology and Center for Organization Research and Development said.

Through the study, distinctions were made in determining the workplace motivation of Gen Z workers and other generations, namely: Millennials or Gen Y (born between 1980 and 1994), Gen X (depending on the research agency, born in either 1961 or 1965, up to 1979); and Baby Boomers (born after World War II, in 1946 to 1960/1964).

Career growth

Gen Z puts a premium on personal achievement in the form of career growth and skill development that reflects their desire for "rapid advancement and fulfillment in their roles.” 

“Compared to Millennials, who put more value on interesting work and collegial work environments, Gen Zs tend to focus on securing their future through savings and investments,” they added.

With this, the study suggested that companies should focus on aligning organizational values with broader social impact and providing robust financial benefits that cater both to immediate needs and long-term security.

“Financial security is one of Gen Z’s motivating factors, as they view work as an avenue for them to earn and save money for their future. Even though Millennials put a premium on compensation, the Gen Z respondents are more specific as to how they want to use their salary,” the researchers explained.

“They also want their work to have an impact on others and society. They want to see how their work contributes to the organization’s mission in general,” they added. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News