A recent report released by Zhaopin, titled *2025 China’s Best Employers Award Report*, reveals that the definition of a good employer and a desirable job is undergoing a transformation, with young job seekers displaying a highly rational yet idealistic approach.

Among college students’ expectations for an ideal employer, “respect for employees” topped the list at 86%, surpassing even “promising income prospects” (72%). This suggests that for Generation Z, dignity is not a luxury but a necessity.

The report also highlights that students have practical criteria for a good job: 66% prioritize “excellent benefits,” 52% value “competitive salaries,” and 50% emphasize “training and career development opportunities.” Only 9% consider “the vision and leadership of company executives” a key factor. Notably, job stability ranks lower than compensation and growth opportunities, indicating that young job seekers prioritize self-fulfillment and career advancement.

To attract top talent, companies must focus on competitive compensation, robust benefits, and structured training programs to align with students’ expectations.

Overall, the report suggests that workplace demands have reverted to the foundational levels of Maslow’s hierarchy—safety and survival. The top three concerns for employees are fair pay and benefits (70%), career growth (69%), and job stability (64%).

In terms of employment models, flexible work arrangements have grown rapidly in recent years. While direct hiring remains dominant, internships, labor dispatch, and outsourcing are becoming more common, especially among larger firms. Smaller businesses, however, still rely on direct hires and part-time roles.

Notably, college students show high acceptance of flexible employment—24% view it as a significant future work model, while 49% consider it a supplementary option to gain extra income and experience alongside full-time jobs. The report attributes this trend to the autonomy and flexibility of gig work, which allows young professionals to explore diverse career paths while balancing stability and adaptability.