Inside the divide between Gen Z and hiring managers

"Gen Z and hiring managers are at odds.Zoomers' core values in life and work don't jive with the values that employers desire most in new recruits, research shows. That suggests there's "a fork in the road," said Suzy Welch, a professor at New York University's Stern School of Business who led a recent study behind the findings. "Gen Z has a set of values, and hiring managers are looking for a different set.""

"At the top of employers' wish lists are job applicants who want success that others recognize, the finding shows. But for Gen Z, that value ranks at No. 11. They place "eudemonia," which encompasses self-care, pleasure, and recreation, at No. 1. In second place for employers is scope, or the desire for action and stimulation, which includes learning and travel."

"The overall disparity Welch found was huge: Only 2% of Zoomers align with the values employers most prize. The findings are based in part on responses from 45,000 US participants - including more than 7,500 Gen Zers - to a scientifically validated, behaviorally based assessment tool called the Values Bridge, which Welch created with a team of experts. It ranks 16 values from answers to 100 behavioral questions."

Gen Z values in life and work prioritize eudemonia—self-care, pleasure, and recreation—above recognized success. Employers prioritize applicants who seek externally acknowledged success, scope for action and stimulation, and work-centrism. Gen Z ranks success, scope, and work-centrism much lower, placing voice and helping others among top priorities. Only 2% of Zoomers align with the values employers most prize. Data come from 45,000 US responses, including over 7,500 Gen Zers, to a 100-question Values Bridge assessment that ranks 16 values, and a survey of 2,100 US hiring managers over 40 in white-collar roles. The misalignment contributes to hiring friction.

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