R
ecent grads—especially those who are Gen Z or millennials—are looking for more out of work than just a paycheck, according to Deloitte’s Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey. Many of these young professionals seek workplaces that align with their values, support sustainability and incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into their mission and daily practices.
But make no mistake—Gen Z and millennial employees are also looking for competitive pay. Many are experiencing increasing financial stress, and about half of them are living paycheck to paycheck, according to Deloitte’s survey.
Early career professionals also want to work at companies that will help them develop the skills they need to advance in their careers. It’s so important that 74% of the Gen Z and millennial respondents in a recent survey by Workplace Intelligence and Amazon said they’re likely to leave their jobs due to a lack of skill-building support or career mobility options.
Where might these employees go? For starters, they could check out Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Employers for New Grads, which ranks the companies that young professionals say offer superior workplace opportunities.
To create the list, Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista and surveyed over 28,000 young and early career professionals in the U.S. working for companies with at least 1,000 employees. Participants were asked to rate their employer in areas such as reputation, salary and benefits, education and career advancement opportunities, working hours and atmosphere, quality of work, DEI initiatives, whether good performance is recognized and whether they would recommend their employer to friends and family.
Survey respondents were also asked to evaluate other employers within their industry—with positive or negative feedback. The surveys were anonymous, enabling participants to share their opinions freely. The 300 companies with the highest scores made the final list.
