At Walnut Unlimited, we’re all about understanding what makes people tick. A recent study by Oxford Brookes University, in collaboration with our team, sheds light on the changing priorities of Generation Z in the workplace. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation is reshaping the world of work, putting balance, inclusivity, and social justice in the spotlight.

A New Era of Work-Life Balance

Gen Z sees work differently—they want their jobs to fit in with their lives, not the other way around. Our research shows their expectations are shaking up old-school workplace norms and encouraging organisations to embrace more flexible and balanced setups.

Employee surveys are a key part of making this happen. They’re an affordable way to figure out what really matters to your team. Dr. Simon M. Smith, Principal Lecturer at Oxford Brookes Business School, sums it up perfectly: “Gen Z’s expectations from work, while sometimes viewed as unrealistic, are reflective of the changing societal norms and workplace priorities.” Surveys help organisations stay in tune with these priorities.

At Walnut Unlimited, our approach is deeply rooted in Behavioural Science, helping organisations not just listen but truly understand and act on what employees need. Behavioural insights allow us to identify biases, uncover hidden motivators, and design interventions that drive meaningful workplace improvements.

We’re passionate about giving employees a voice through our employee experience research. Why? Because workplace experiences directly affect people’s financial security, social mobility, physical health, and mental wellbeing. By understanding and improving these experiences, we can help create positive changes that ripple across society.

Shaped by a Complex World

Gen Z has grown up in a hyper-connected world, constantly exposed to challenges like climate change and social unrest. These experiences have shaped their outlook, making mental health, fairness, and inclusivity top priorities.

As Dr. Smith explains, “These aren’t demands for special treatment—they’re rational responses to the world they’ve inherited.” Employee surveys give organisations a clear view of where they need to improve to meet these expectations.

By applying Behavioural Science principles, we can go beyond surface-level findings to explore how unconscious biases and cultural norms influence workplace attitudes. Our research methodologies incorporate implicit testing, advanced analytics, and behavioural nudges to drive real change.

We’ve got a solid track record of creating bespoke employee research that:

• Is inclusive and gets great response rates
• Digs into employee engagement and uncovers what drives it
• Spots the biggest risks to employee wellbeing
• Measures how well people understand and support organisational goals
• Checks how customer focus and continuous improvement show up in day-to-day work
• Gathers employees’ ideas for making things better

We offer both one-off and ongoing employee research solutions, tailored to provide insights that matter at both the big-picture and team levels. Our innovative methods make sure the results are clear, actionable, and ready to guide decisions.

The Findings:

Our study looked at responses from over 1,200 people across four generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Here’s what stood out:

• Lower Job Satisfaction: Gen Z’s job satisfaction is lower than older generations, mainly because they’re looking for more support around mental health and diversity.
• Career Progression: They’re ambitious and want opportunities to grow quickly.
• Burnout and Anxiety: High levels of burnout and anxiety show the urgent need for better mental health support in the workplace.

With regular employee surveys, organisations can track how satisfaction changes over time and zero in on areas that need attention. Applying Behavioural Science insights to these surveys ensures we capture not just what employees say, but also what they might not be explicitly aware of, leading to deeper and more effective interventions.

Not About Entitlement

Some people think Gen Z’s expectations are a bit much, but Dr. Smith sees it differently: “Their focus on mental health, career growth, and fairness is not just a demand but a blueprint for the future of work.” By using tools like employee surveys, companies can open up communication, tackle issues head-on, and create a culture that works for everyone.

Behavioural Science further helps organisations challenge outdated assumptions and create workplaces that genuinely support employee wellbeing. For example, cognitive biases may lead managers to underestimate the impact of stress on productivity. By integrating behavioural insights, we can design nudges that encourage healthier work habits and more inclusive leadership.

Building the Workplace of Tomorrow

The message for employers is clear: adapt to what Gen Z values, or you’ll miss out on the talent shaping the future. By focusing on inclusivity, mental health, and career growth, organisations can build workplaces where everyone thrives.

Employee surveys aren’t just about collecting data—they’re about showing your team you’re listening. The insights they provide can drive meaningful changes that boost workplace culture and job satisfaction.

At Walnut Unlimited, we know the power of listening. By acting on what employees say and applying Behavioural Science to decode workplace dynamics, organisations can create environments where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best.

Gen Z’s priorities are a roadmap to a better, fairer, and more balanced workplace. Let’s seize this chance to build a brighter future for everyone.

Ready to create a workplace that aligns with Gen Z’s values? Contact me for more information.

Amy Nichols
Research Director