The importance of professional development for gen Z

Not too long ago, a solid graduate scheme and the promise of “progression in a few years” was enough to attract fresh talent. Not anymore. 

Today, Gen Z is rewriting the rules of the workplace. They’re not just looking for a job. They’re looking for development, direction – and a sense of purpose. 

And if businesses want to attract and retain this generation, they need to think differently. 

That was one of the biggest takeaways from our recent On the Up podcast episode, where Dan Marshall caught up with Callum Macrae, Marketing Director at JE Consulting, to talk all things Gen Z – including what really keeps them motivated at work. 

Development isn’t a perk – it’s an expectation 

For Gen Z, professional development isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation of a good role. If they can’t grow in your business, they’ll go somewhere they can. 

Callum put it plainly: 

“They’ve got this entrepreneurial mindset. They might not want to run their own company – but they want to own something within yours.” 

Whether that’s leading a project, learning a new skill or exploring AI tools in their day-to-day, Gen Z wants to be stretched. Not micromanaged. And certainly not sidelined. 

Trust unlocks loyalty 

One of the biggest fears leaders have? Letting go. 

But Callum argues that leaning in – and giving Gen Z room to take ownership – is actually the best way to keep them. 

“When I’ve given Gen Z team members real responsibility, they’ve delivered. And they’ve stuck around because they feel invested.” 

It’s simple: empower your people and they’ll reward you with loyalty. Because Gen Z isn’t just chasing titles – they’re chasing impact. 

It’s not just about money 

Yes, salary matters. But for Gen Z, growth and values go hand in hand with compensation. 

They’re asking big questions during interviews – things like: 

• “What are your company’s values?” 

• “What kind of training will I get?” 

• “How do you support career development here?” 

And they’re making big decisions based on the answers. Callum shared the story of a relative who turned down offers from three top firms in favour of one with better flexibility and a values-driven culture – even though it meant a longer commute. 

That’s the power of professional development. When done well, it sets you apart. 

Development = retention 

Let’s be honest – staff turnover is expensive. Hiring, onboarding, re-training… it adds up. 

So why not focus on retention instead? 

Creating a culture of growth doesn’t have to mean massive overhauls or budget-blowing schemes. Small steps make a big difference: 

• Offer learning budgets 

• Support external courses and certifications 

• Let junior staff lead internal projects 

• Create space for curiosity and experimentation 

As Callum explained: 

“Give them a project, give them responsibility – even if it’s something that’s been at the bottom of your to-do list for months. You might be surprised by what they come back with.” 

It’s about more than ticking boxes 

Here’s the thing: Gen Z can smell inauthenticity a mile off. 

They don’t want a token training session or a leadership course you run once a year. They want continuous growth. They want feedback that helps them improve. And they want to feel like they’re developing alongside your business – not behind it. 

And it’s not just the employees noticing. Increasingly, clients, customers and partners are looking at how businesses treat their people too. 

Are you investing in your team? Are you building the next generation of leaders? 

Because if not, it shows. 

Start small – but start now 

If professional development hasn’t been a focus before, that’s okay. You don’t need to fix everything at once. 

Start with what you’ve got. Identify a few areas where Gen Z talent in your business could take the lead, try something new or build a new skill. And crucially – trust them to do it. 

Because when you give Gen Z space to grow, they don’t just succeed – they thrive. 

Want to hear more? 

This conversation was just one part of a brilliant episode with Callum Macrae on On the Up. We covered everything from Gen Z’s digital mindset to how businesses can modernise their approach to marketing, leadership and team engagement. 

If you’re ready to build a workplace Gen Z wants to be part of – this one’s for you. Listen to the full episode today! 

Looking for more business insights? Discover our full collection of On the Up podcast episodes, brought to you by Moneypenny.