A Deloitte survey of 22,500 young people across 44 countries was published on Monday, outlining Gen Z's career priorities, financial behaviors, and attitudes towards artificial intelligence in the workplace. The survey found that 44% of Gen Z respondents prefer steady career progress, while 25% seek fast-paced promotions and title upgrades.
Many Gen Z and millennial respondents avoid leadership roles due to concerns regarding stress, burnout, and work-life balance. Only 6% of Gen Z and millennial respondents cited achieving a leadership position as a top career priority. However, 76% of Gen Z respondents reported a desire to pursue an executive leadership role at some point in their careers, and approximately 10% are willing to move laterally or accept a lower professional title to gain experience. Nearly half, 49%, of Gen Z respondents have declined job assignments or offers due to misaligned personal values. Additionally, 96% of Gen Z respondents prioritize experiencing a sense of purpose in their employment.
Approximately one-third of Gen Z respondents maintain secondary employment sources, with financial necessity being the primary reason cited. Roughly 20% of Gen Z respondents reported that their employers are decreasing entry-level hiring and substituting those positions with internships. Gen Z individuals are more likely to delay home purchases, family formation, and vehicle ownership compared to older generations. They also demonstrate lower financial literacy levels compared to older generations, though they begin investing in the stock market at younger ages. Some of these investment decisions are influenced by social media influencers and a desire to not miss financial trends. Younger online shoppers frequently leave items in digital shopping carts for multiple days before completing purchases.
Regarding technology, 37% of Gen Z respondents are actively seeking to develop artificial intelligence proficiency. Nearly 75% reported incorporating artificial intelligence into their daily work routines. The report authors at Deloitte stated, "Adaptability is now a core career capability, one that enables Gen Z to remain relevant and resilient amid constant change." An increasing number of workers are pursuing roles in skilled trades, entrepreneurship, or freelancing while maintaining full-time employment.
No independent assessment of Gen Z’s claims was available.