Generation Z is redefining the concept of business success

Deloitte, a global consulting firm, has been tracking generational attitudes toward work, finances, leadership, and social change for fifteen years through its global research.

This year’s edition included members of Generation Z and millennials, and was conducted among more than 22,500 respondents across 44 countries. The results show that generations who grew up during the pandemic, inflation, climate change, and rapid technological development are now significantly more pragmatic than their predecessors. Careers are still important to them, but they are no longer the sole measure of success. Flexibility, financial stability, mental health, and a sense of purpose are becoming priorities.

Employees adopt new technologies faster than employers

The biggest shift is visible in attitudes toward artificial intelligence. AI has very quickly become part of young employees’ daily lives, with as many as 74 percent of Generation Z and millennials using it in their everyday work.

Artificial intelligence is no longer used only to increase productivity or automate tasks. Young employees are increasingly using AI as a tool for learning, developing new skills, professional guidance, and work organization. It is also becoming more common in stress management and planning daily responsibilities.

The research also shows that employees are adopting new technologies faster than the organizations they work for. One-third of respondents believe their organizations are not sufficiently prepared for the changes brought by AI, while many point to a lack of training, clear guidelines, and management support. This “readiness gap” is becoming one of the biggest challenges in modern business.

Respondents believe that AI can positively impact career development by enabling faster acquisition of experience, especially in entry-level positions, while leaving employees more time for creative and strategic tasks.

Cost of living remains the biggest source of uncertainty

In addition to technological changes, the research once again confirms how strongly financial insecurity shapes the life decisions of younger generations. The cost of living has been the respondents’ biggest concern for the fifth consecutive year.

Financial pressure is no longer just an economic issue – it also strongly affects private life. More than half of respondents are postponing major life decisions such as marriage, parenthood, starting a business, or continuing education due to financial uncertainty. They are choosing the option of “maybe later” because they first want to achieve financial stability before taking major steps.

Still, despite these pressures, there is a certain degree of optimism. Young people believe their personal financial situation will improve over the next year, and their expectations of employers are therefore becoming increasingly higher.

Leadership is no longer the only indicator of success

A particularly interesting part of the research concerns changing perceptions of leadership and career success. Only six percent of respondents cite a management position as their primary professional goal, representing a significant departure from the traditional understanding of a successful career.

The main reasons they cite are stress, burnout, heavy responsibility, and poor work-life balance, which they often associate with managerial roles.

However, this does not mean young employees lack ambition. Most still want a certain level of responsibility during their careers, but under different working conditions -greater flexibility, clear development opportunities, and a healthier work environment.

As many as 69 percent of respondents believe they can influence change within an organization even without a formal leadership position. Influence today is increasingly associated less with hierarchy and more with collaboration, knowledge, and the ability to initiate ideas within teams.

Mental health and a sense of purpose are becoming priorities

A sense of purpose is becoming one of the key factors of job satisfaction. Nearly all respondents believe their work should make a meaningful contribution to society, while many emphasize that a sense of connection and positive impact increases motivation and loyalty toward the company.

Although mental health indicators have slightly improved compared to last year, stress and digital fatigue remain major challenges, especially in the context of constant connectivity and the fast pace of the business environment.