Exploring the New Values of Gen Z and Millennials in the 2025 Workforce Landscape
In recent findings from Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, over 23,000 individuals from 44 countries shed light on the perspectives of these two influential generations. As they prepare to comprise 74% of the global workforce by 2030, their priorities are reshaping workplace dynamics. Focusing on the intersections of growth, well-being, and financial stability, the survey highlights the evolving landscape in which young professionals operate.
Key Insights into the Workforce Shifts
The majority of Gen Zs (74%) and millennials (77%) anticipate that Generative AI (GenAI) will have a significant impact on their work life in the near term. This emerging technology is shaping their perceptions of productivity and effectiveness in ways that many previously thought unimaginable. Deloitte Global's Chief People & Purpose Officer, Elizabeth Faber, notes that these generations are striving for a balance of meaningful work and financial security while navigating the challenges brought on by both the pandemic and economic uncertainties.
Surprisingly, while there is a strong emphasis on skill-building, only a scant 6% of Gen Z participants view ascending to senior leadership as their main career aspiration. Instead, the desire to learn and develop skills has taken precedence, with many indicating this as a fundamental reason for choosing their current roles.
The Leadership Gap
Despite their aspirations for growth, many young professionals feel their employers aren't fully meeting their developmental needs. Roughly half of the surveyed Gen Zs and millennials wished for more mentorship and guidance from their managers, yet only a fraction experience this support in practice. This discrepancy underscores a significant gap in expectations versus reality in workplace mentorship and skill development strategies.
Many respondents also express skepticism regarding the traditional education system's capacity to sufficiently prepare them for current job markets, indicating a need for more practical experience that aligns with evolving workplace demands.
Navigating the GenAI Revolution
With GenAI becoming increasingly commonplace, 74% of young professionals believe it will influence their work within the next year. Over half indicated they're already integrating GenAI into their routines, yet mixed feelings persist. While many reported improvements in work quality and life balance due to GenAI, there's a heightened concern about job security as automation continues to evolve.
A striking majority emphasize the value of soft skills—like empathy and leadership—touting them as crucial competencies that could outweigh technical abilities in the context of career advancement.
The Pursuit of Meaning, Money, and Well-being
When exploring what drives their career choices, Gen Zs and millennials consistently reference three interconnected factors: money, meaning, and well-being. Alarmingly, financial insecurity is a growing concern, with 48% of Gen Zs and 46% of millennials expressing feelings of instability—a sharp rise compared to previous years. This sense of financial vulnerability directly correlates with their mental well-being, highlighting the intricate relationship between financial health and job satisfaction.
The survey also suggests that purpose plays a pivotal role in job fulfillment. Approximately 89% of Gen Zs and 92% of millennials find that a sense of purpose significantly enhances their work experience. However, the definition of purpose can vary widely; for some, it might involve making a societal impact, while for others, achieving financial independence might be the priority.
Ultimately, positive mental well-being appears to foster a greater sense of contribution. Among respondents with better mental health, a significantly higher percentage feels their work allows them to make a meaningful societal impact compared to those struggling with poor mental well-being.
A Call to Action for Employers
As these insights reveal a clear framework of Gen Z and millennials’ evolving expectations, it’s crucial for organizations to adapt their structures and approaches. Faber emphasizes the need for employers to critically reassess how they support their workforce amid rapid technological advancements and social changes. By responding proactively to these generational needs, businesses can position themselves better in the competitive talent landscape ahead.
In summary, the Deloitte Global's 2025 survey highlights a transformative moment in workplace culture. By centering their strategies around the aspirations, challenges, and values of Gen Zs and millennials, companies have a unique opportunity to cultivate a more engaged, motivated, and satisfied workforce.
Key Insights into the Workforce Shifts
The majority of Gen Zs (74%) and millennials (77%) anticipate that Generative AI (GenAI) will have a significant impact on their work life in the near term. This emerging technology is shaping their perceptions of productivity and effectiveness in ways that many previously thought unimaginable. Deloitte Global's Chief People & Purpose Officer, Elizabeth Faber, notes that these generations are striving for a balance of meaningful work and financial security while navigating the challenges brought on by both the pandemic and economic uncertainties.
Surprisingly, while there is a strong emphasis on skill-building, only a scant 6% of Gen Z participants view ascending to senior leadership as their main career aspiration. Instead, the desire to learn and develop skills has taken precedence, with many indicating this as a fundamental reason for choosing their current roles.
The Leadership Gap
Despite their aspirations for growth, many young professionals feel their employers aren't fully meeting their developmental needs. Roughly half of the surveyed Gen Zs and millennials wished for more mentorship and guidance from their managers, yet only a fraction experience this support in practice. This discrepancy underscores a significant gap in expectations versus reality in workplace mentorship and skill development strategies.
Many respondents also express skepticism regarding the traditional education system's capacity to sufficiently prepare them for current job markets, indicating a need for more practical experience that aligns with evolving workplace demands.
Navigating the GenAI Revolution
With GenAI becoming increasingly commonplace, 74% of young professionals believe it will influence their work within the next year. Over half indicated they're already integrating GenAI into their routines, yet mixed feelings persist. While many reported improvements in work quality and life balance due to GenAI, there's a heightened concern about job security as automation continues to evolve.
A striking majority emphasize the value of soft skills—like empathy and leadership—touting them as crucial competencies that could outweigh technical abilities in the context of career advancement.
The Pursuit of Meaning, Money, and Well-being
When exploring what drives their career choices, Gen Zs and millennials consistently reference three interconnected factors: money, meaning, and well-being. Alarmingly, financial insecurity is a growing concern, with 48% of Gen Zs and 46% of millennials expressing feelings of instability—a sharp rise compared to previous years. This sense of financial vulnerability directly correlates with their mental well-being, highlighting the intricate relationship between financial health and job satisfaction.
The survey also suggests that purpose plays a pivotal role in job fulfillment. Approximately 89% of Gen Zs and 92% of millennials find that a sense of purpose significantly enhances their work experience. However, the definition of purpose can vary widely; for some, it might involve making a societal impact, while for others, achieving financial independence might be the priority.
Ultimately, positive mental well-being appears to foster a greater sense of contribution. Among respondents with better mental health, a significantly higher percentage feels their work allows them to make a meaningful societal impact compared to those struggling with poor mental well-being.
A Call to Action for Employers
As these insights reveal a clear framework of Gen Z and millennials’ evolving expectations, it’s crucial for organizations to adapt their structures and approaches. Faber emphasizes the need for employers to critically reassess how they support their workforce amid rapid technological advancements and social changes. By responding proactively to these generational needs, businesses can position themselves better in the competitive talent landscape ahead.
In summary, the Deloitte Global's 2025 survey highlights a transformative moment in workplace culture. By centering their strategies around the aspirations, challenges, and values of Gen Zs and millennials, companies have a unique opportunity to cultivate a more engaged, motivated, and satisfied workforce.
Topics People & Culture）
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