Gen Z and Millennials Seek Stability and Purpose at Work, Report Finds

Financial strain and a search for meaning are driving major shifts in the workplace as Gen Z and millennial employees move away from the traditional corporate ladder. Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey collected answers from more than 23,000 workers across 44 countries, including the United States. 2025-genz-millennial-survey

These generations now prioritize learning opportunities, work/life balance, and well-being over job titles. Only six percent of Gen Z respondents say their top goal is senior leadership, though most show strong ambition when it comes to developing new skills. Many feel supervisors are still too focused on task management instead of mentoring and growth. 2025-genz-millennial-survey

Cost of living remained the number-one concern for the fourth straight year, with more than half saying they live paycheck to paycheck and nearly half reporting low financial security. Those worries directly reduce happiness and mental health. 2025-genz-millennial-survey

Education choices are shifting as well. Nearly a third of respondents chose not to pursue university due to high tuition and a perception that trade and vocational routes offer more practical skills at lower cost. 2025-genz-millennial-survey

Generative AI produces both optimism and anxiety. A majority say they use AI tools to improve productivity, yet more than 60 percent believe automation could threaten job opportunities as entry-level roles disappear. Soft skills such as communication and empathy are viewed as increasingly essential. 2025-genz-millennial-survey

Meaningful work continues to play a strong role in job retention. Almost 90 percent of respondents say purpose influences job satisfaction, and many have left positions they believed lacked it. 2025-genz-millennial-survey

Experts say employers may need to adjust quickly. The report recommends investing in mentoring, mental-health support, competitive compensation, and clearer pathways for career mobility if organizations hope to keep younger workers engaged and committed. 2025-genz-millennial-survey

Young talent on the Shore often travels or relocates to find jobs offering professional development and better pay. Business owners say labor shortages remain a concern, especially in hospitality, trades, and seasonal work. Employers who adapt to preferences for flexible scheduling, mental-health support, and strong internal growth opportunities may be better positioned to retain local workers and attract new graduates home again.

Transportation barriers, childcare access, and high housing costs continue to influence whether younger workers can build careers here. The survey’s financial security findings echo concerns raised in Northampton and Accomack County workforce trends.

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Wayne Creed

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