Generation Z workers appear to value transparency across multiple aspects of the job application process, especially when it comes to salary and job responsibilities, according to a May 24 report from Symplicity.
In a survey of 3,700 U.S. college students, pay transparency and equity was ranked as the most important diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) effort among nine categories, with 87% saying it is important or very important.
Listing a salary range is also important, the survey found. About 53% of respondents said they would be discouraged from applying for a position if there wasn’t a specific salary range.
Clearer, more specific job descriptions could help as well, the survey found. For instance, about 59% of students voiced concerns about having the right qualifications for the types of jobs they wanted when starting the job search process. Too many unrealistic requirements would discourage 65% of job seekers from applying.
This feeling was heightened among women. About 63% of women and 52% of men said they were concerned about having the right qualifications.
“The survey results suggest that employers should consider revising their job descriptions to make them more realistic and transparent,” Symplicity explained in a statement.
The views among Gen Z job seekers seem to mirror broader trends among workers of all ages, with a majority now saying they’re unlikely to apply for a job without a salary range, according to a recent report. Pay transparency continues to rank as a top priority, especially as several state and local governments have made moves to require pay disclosure.
As part of this, employers should focus on specifics and tighten their salary ranges for positions, talent acquisition professionals told HR Dive. Salary ranges have widened in recent years, particularly with pay disclosure requirements, so tightening them could improve transparency and attract workers.
