By Joie N. Marhefka
Over the past few years, I’ve thought a lot about how the HTM workforce is changing. I’ve thought about the demand for qualified professionals in the industry and how our students can help meet that demand. I’ve thought about the changing technologies and how that might impact the skills our students need to be successful. I’ve also read a lot about how Gen Z is different from previous generations. But one thing I haven’t thought much about, to this point, is what this new generation of HTM professionals wants from their career.
To gain some insight on this, I surveyed students and alumni who are members of Gen Z. I wanted to find out their preferences on work environment and benefits. While the information I’m sharing here represents the views of a small number of students and alumni – 13 individuals responded to the survey – I hope it provides some insight into what Gen Z HTM professionals value most in their careers.
The three things that everyone who responded said were very important when considering a job are work-life balance; job security and stability; and a company that offers training and development programs to enhance your skills. Most also identified opportunities for career advancement and professional development, as well as autonomy in your job, including the ability to make decisions, self-manage, and work independently, to be very important.
The survey found diversity and inclusion in the workplace and employers offering mental health support programs or benefits to be less important overall. Less than a third of the respondents identified these as very important, and about a third identified these as not important. Other aspects included in the survey that received a mixed response include company’s values and commitment to social responsibility, access to up-to-date technology and tools to help you do your job effectively, feeling like your job makes a positive impact on society or the world, physical workplace location, receiving regular feedback and recognition from your employer, ability to collaborate with others across different departments or teams, and company’s reputation in the industry. These items all were very important to some but less important to others.
When asked “What is your primary focus when evaluating a job offer?” responses were evenly split between salary and career growth. Only one person each selected work-life balance and benefits, and no one selected company culture. Responses to preferred work environment were evenly distributed between “flexible and adaptive” and “collaborative and team-oriented.” No one identified “independent and quiet” as their preference.
When asked to choose between a job that offers flexibility in roles and tasks or one that has clear, defined responsibilities, responses were mixed with a slight preference for flexibility. The majority of responses indicated that paid time off was the most appealing perk compared to flexible working hours, performance bonuses, health and wellness programs, and parental leave. A few people did choose flexible working hours or performance bonuses.
Finally, thoughts about working for a company that allows you to pursue entrepreneurial or side-project initiatives while employed were mixed, with an almost equal number of people very interested, somewhat interested, and not interested.
So, what does all of this mean?
Overall, it seems to me that salary and career growth, including an employer that provides training and resources necessary for advancement, are most important to these Gen Z HTM professionals. Work-life balance also seems important. In addition, most seem to prefer a flexible and/or collaborative environment rather than working alone. This point, in particular, reiterates the importance of collaboration and teamwork, both in the workplace and in education.
Although the sample size is small, seeing this information helps me to gain a better understanding of what our students are hoping to find when they graduate. I will keep this in mind as I help them prepare for their careers. I hope that it is also informative to those who will be hiring or working with members of Gen Z who are entering the HTM workforce.
