PURPOSE OR PAY CHECK? HOW GEN Z DEFINES CAREER FULFILMENT IN MODERN ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

The gen Z described as people born between 1997 and 2012 has unique expectations and values in the workplace market compared to the antecedent generations. The current qualitative research study investigated the views of career satisfaction among Gen Z workers in Lahore, Pakistan, in modern organisational settings. Ten full-time Gen Z employees aged 22-27 years were interviewed using semi-structured interviews, and the collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis, which revealed common patterns and common meanings of the experience of the interviewees. The results indicated that career fulfilment in Gen Z is a multi-dimensional phenomenon that entails purpose, meaningful work, personal and professional development, autonomy, organisational culture, financial security, ethical fit, and flexibility. The participants stressed the need to balance both intrinsic and extrinsic needs: social impact and personal development, and remuneration and occupational stability. Organizational support, recognition and psychological safety were found to be essential factors of engagement and satisfaction and a visible lack of ethical consistency in organisations was associated with dissatisfaction and turnover intentions.

These findings add to a subtle perspective of the career expectations of Gen Z and the urgency of organisations to take supportive, ethical and flexible approaches to attract, retain, and motivate young talent in the current workplaces.