What Gen Z Really Wants from Their Tech Careers

| By Nico Vahn

Spoiler: It’s not just about salary and free snacks.

As Gen Z (born ~1997–2012) begins to dominate the tech workforce, the rules are changing. This isn’t just a new generation—it’s a fundamentally different mindset.

Raised amid economic crises, climate urgency, and the rise of generative AI, Gen Z is bringing fresh expectations to the job market—and especially to the world of tech.

Whether you’re a hiring manager navigating talent scarcity across EMEA, or a Gen Z developer shaping your first career move, here’s what the data (and TikTok) are saying.

What the Research Says: Top Priorities for Gen Z

According to recent surveys from Deloitte, Stack Overflow, and LinkedIn Talent Insights, here’s what Gen Z in tech really values:

Priority% of Gen Z RespondentsWhat It Means
Work-life balance75%Burnout avoidance is non-negotiable. Overwork ≠ ambition.
Purpose-driven work65%Tech for good > tech for profit. Mission and values matter.
Remote or flexible work80%Hybrid is the norm. Offices are optional, not mandatory.
Continuous learning60%They want growth tracks, not just job descriptions.
Mental health support58%Benefits = salary + psychological safety.


Reddit /r/cscareerquestionsEU:
“If a company doesn’t invest in mentorship, I don’t see the point. I’m not just clocking in—I’m building my trajectory.”

What They Don’t Want

Gen Z isn’t anti-work—they’re anti-broken-systems.
Here’s what turns them off:

  • Rigid 9–5s: Flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s expected.
  • Opaque hierarchies: They prefer flat teams and visible impact.
  • Title obsession: They care more about autonomy and ownership than climbing titles.

And yes—they’ll ghost a bad interview process just like companies ghosted applicants for decades.

What Actually Drives Gen Z in Tech

Beyond perks and paychecks, Gen Z wants:

Impact

They’re more likely to join a purpose-driven startup than a big-name company with a questionable track record.
Ethical AI, green tech, health tech, and accessibility rank highly.

Feedback

They grew up with real-time input (social media, games), and expect the same at work.
Annual reviews alone won’t cut it.

Digital Fluency

Async work, intuitive tools, and zero-friction onboarding are must-haves.
Slack > email. Notion > Word docs. Figma > PowerPoint.

How Employers Can Win Gen Z Tech Talent

Want to attract (and retain) Gen Z engineers across Europe and the Middle East? Here’s what works:

  1. Show your values:
    • Post publicly about DEI, sustainability, and your stance on ethical tech—not just revenue.
  2. Offer hybrid-first roles:
    • A Lisbon-based dev might want to work with a team in Berlin, without relocating.
  3. Prioritize learning:
    • Offer stipends for courses, fund conference travel, and design roles with stretch opportunities.
  4. Build psychological safety:
    Make it safe to ask questions, challenge norms, or say “I need help.”

A European & Middle East Twist: Culture + Hubs Matter

While Gen Z shares global values, local context still matters—especially in emerging tech hubs:

🇩🇪 Germany

  • Values: Stability, job security, and structured growth
  • Cities like Berlin and Munich are attracting startups in AI, fintech, and climate tech

🇳🇱 Netherlands

  • Values: Transparency, autonomy, and flat hierarchies
  • Amsterdam continues to grow as a hub for privacy-focused and creative tech

🇵🇹 Portugal & 🇪🇸 Spain

  • Values: Strong team vibe, community, and work-life balance
  • Lisbon and Barcelona are hotspots for digital nomads and remote-first product teams

🇸🇬 Singapore

  • Fast-tracked tech careers, regional HQs, and government-backed innovation
  • AI, logistics tech, and fintech dominate hiring trends

🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

  • Tech leadership paths are opening fast, especially in Web3, GovTech, and climate innovation
  • Strong incentives for global tech talent, and investment in startup ecosystems

Source: Startup Genome 2024, EU Startup Monitor 2024, Wamda MENA Report, LinkedIn EMEA Gen Z Workforce Insights

Final Thoughts: Gen Z Isn’t Lazy—They’re Redefining Work

Gen Z doesn’t want to work less. They want to work smarter, with purpose, in environments where they can grow and be heard.

The companies that adapt to this reality won’t just fill roles—they’ll build loyalty, creativity, and future leaders.

The ones that don’t? They’ll keep wondering why their pipeline is dry and Glassdoor is full of warning signs.

Want to Hire or Join a Gen Z-Friendly Tech Team?

At Jobpare, we match value-driven companies with the next generation of ambitious, mission-aligned tech talent—from Berlin to Dubai.

👉 Explore roles or post your job →

Sources:

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