Generation Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, has cemented its status as a dominant force in the workforce. With their oldest members now in their late 20s and early 30s, they’re no longer the new kids on the block. They’ve become a force, reshaping how work gets done. Generation Z surpassed Baby Boomers in the workforce. As of the second quarter of 2024, Gen Z accounted for 18% of the U.S. workforce. Baby Boomers comprised 15%. This marks a generational shift as Baby Boomers continue to retire at a steady pace, reducing their presence in the labor force. According to Zurich Insurance’s 2025 projections, Gen Z is expected to comprise 27% of the global workforce by year-end, a figure echoed by the World Economic Forum’s earlier estimates.
Gen Z’s new take on work isn’t just a trend, it’s a significant change in the workplace. This cohort brings a values-first mindset to work. Their goals are different. As opposed to older generations, this group wants more than a paycheck. They desire purpose, meaningful work and providing an impact. The 2024 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that 86% of Gen Zers say a sense of purpose is key to job satisfaction, with 44% willing to reject employers misaligned with their ethics.
This cohort tends to seek out employers whose actions reflect their ideals, from racial justice to mental health advocacy. A 2023 Pew Research study revealed that 70% of Gen Zers prioritize working for organizations with strong ethical stances, even if it means a lower salary—a sharp contrast to Millennials (58%) and Gen X (47%). They’re not just employees; they see themselves as stakeholders in a cultural mission.
Yet, this mindset fuels higher turnover. Deloitte’s 2023 survey found that 49% of Gen Z workers would quit within two years if dissatisfied with company values or work-life balance, compared to 41% of Millennials and 33% of Gen Xers. Unlike older generations, Gen Z is less likely to stick around if their needs for flexibility, growth, and alignment aren’t met, frustrating managers accustomed to longer tenures.
Indicating that Gen-Zs are being heard in the office, the 2024 Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report notes that hybrid schedules, once a Gen Z rallying cry, are now embraced by 45% of Boomers and 52% of Gen Xers in 2025, up from 30% and 38% in 2022.
Challenges Faced By The Gen Zers
Economic pressures such as student debt, soaring housing costs, stagnant wages loom large. The 2024 Deloitte survey reports that 40% of Gen Zers feel stressed all or most of the time, with 36% citing their job as a major contributor. Only 51% rate their mental health as good or extremely good, compared to 62% of Millennials and 68% of Gen Xers.
Their high expectations can backfire. When reality falls short of their ideals, disillusionment kicks in. Gallup’s 2024 data shows Gen Z’s workplace engagement at 35%, lagging behind Millennials (42%) and Gen X (48%), reflecting dissatisfaction when jobs don’t deliver purpose or flexibility. According to Deloitte’s 2023 survey notes 25% would quit without another job lined up, double the rate of Gen X (12%).
Remote Work and Flexibility
Gen Z overwhelmingly prefers hybrid or remote work. LinkedIn’s 2024 survey found 72% of Gen Zers have left or considered leaving jobs lacking flexible policies, dwarfing Millennials (55%) and Gen X (40%). Deloitte’s 2024 data adds that 63% prefer hybrid arrangements, valuing control over where and when they work. This isn’t just convenience, it’s a lifeline to balance amid economic and mental health strains.
Climbing the Ladder or Coasting?
Gen Z doesn’t solely covet climbing the corporate ladder. They seek growth, learning new skills, having an impact, and work flexibility options more so than titles. Deloitte’s 2024 survey shows only 38% prioritize promotions, compared to 52% of Millennials in 2014.
This doesn’t mean that they are not anti-ambition. For example, 70% expect a promotion within 18 months, per Ripplematch’s 2024 study. They blend entrepreneurial ventures with traditional roles, with 41% valuing side hustles for freedom over climbing rungs, per a 2023 Handshake survey.
Source: Forbes