Gen Z is Highly Optimistic, Purpose Driven (and Less Stressed Out) Editor’s Note: Survey Responses at End of News Release
As Gen Z (born 1997-2010) enters the workforce, a new Korn Ferry survey of professionals of all ages examines how the next generation in the workplace is bringing plenty of optimism, a lot of purpose and less stress than Millennials (born 1982-1996).
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Nearly two-thirds of respondents (60 percent) say Gen Z is more optimistic about the future. A slight majority (53 percent) say that Gen Z will bring more motivation to the workplace than Millennials, and more than half (54 percent) believe that members of Gen Z will place more emphasis on whether their work has purpose.
“Beliefs that members of Gen Z are more optimistic may reflect the fact that they are new to the professional workforce and are ready to take on the world,” said Korn Ferry Senior Director Mark Royal. “However, another aspect may be environmental factors in their upbringing. We have seen nearly a decade of prosperity, and that is what members of Gen Z experienced in their formative years. On the flip side, Millennials are more influenced by living through the Great Recession, when many saw their parents lose their jobs as the economy tanked.”
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More than two-thirds (67 percent) of survey respondents say Millennials are more stressed in the workplace than Gen Z, 58 percent say Millennials are more motivated by salary/compensation, and 65 percent say Millennials are more motivated by moving up quickly in their careers.
Survey respondents were split on which generation values work/life balance more and which generation will be easier to work with.
“Each new generation entering the workforce brings with it unique attributes and challenges,” said Royal. “The key for managers is to understand what motivates all employees to bring their best to their jobs every day and to create a culture where all employees feel supported and valued.”
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