80% of Gen Z professionals prefer mentorship, career growth over salary, says Report

A recent survey has revealed that 80% of Gen Z professionals prioritize mentorship and career development opportunities over salary, according to a recent survey by apna.co, a job and professional networking platform.

The platform surveyed 10,000 Gen Z professionals to understand their career aspirations, workplace preferences, and growth expectations.

This shift marks a break from older generations, where financial stability was paramount. Gen Z's focus is on strategic, long-term development rather than short-term monetary rewards, reflecting a desire for meaningful and growth-oriented careers.

Demand for positive environments

The survey also highlighted Gen Z’s emphasis on workplace culture, with 74% of respondents rating a positive work environment as crucial. Factors like inclusivity, respect, and ongoing collaboration were top priorities.

Unlike previous generations that often overlooked mentorship, Gen Z seeks continuous feedback, collaboration, and recognition. They reject working in isolation or receiving occasional acknowledgement, instead valuing workplaces that align personal and professional growth.

They seek to understand their roles within the larger organisational mission, actively sharing ideas and contributing meaningfully. This marks a shift from routine, siloed work towards a culture of curiosity, mentorship, and impactful teamwork, emphasising their need for holistic growth and purpose-driven careers.

Hybrid work for balance

Another key finding was Gen Z's preference for hybrid work, with 68% favouring this model over fully remote or onsite roles. The hybrid approach supports both collaboration and independent work, enabling young professionals to benefit from mentorship and team interactions while maintaining flexibility for innovative, creative projects.

Nirmit Parikh, CEO of apna.co, emphasized that Gen Z is redefining professional benchmarks. "They are curious, self-aware, and eager to contribute meaningfully while expecting clear career trajectories," Parikh said.

He urged businesses to adapt to these evolving expectations, calling the findings a "wake-up call" for companies to reimagine engagement strategies and create empowering environments.