New report reveals Gen Zs are ambitious 'on their own terms'
There are plenty of generalisations about Gen Z employees' and their supposed poor work ethic, frequent job-hopping, and apparent reluctance to climb the corporate ladder.
Research from the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) released earlier this month debunked the myth about job-hopping, finding younger workers today displayed job retention patterns similar to those of previous generations at the same career stage.
And now new research from SurveyMonkey is challenging the preception Gen Z aren't interested in leadership roles.
The research found that 80% of Gen Zs are aiming for top leadership roles, much higher than [Gen X (57%)] and Millennials (70%).
It found 58% of Gen Z employees would reply to after-hours messages immediately, and 33% of them said receiving these messages makes them feel appreciated or needed.
"The research makes it clear that Gen Z is ambitious, but on their own terms," said Wendy Smith, senior manager, research science at SurveyMonkey, in a statement.
“They aim high—80% aspire to top leadership—but won’t compromise their health, loyalty, or personal boundaries for the sake of a promotion.
"That shift, what we’re calling ‘Gen Zen’, is a wake-up call for employers: balance and values are the new currency of workplace success.”
According to the report, 33% of Gen Z employees would switch companies just to advance their career. Another 91% said they're waiting to hit a certain income level before pursuing major milestones.
Challenging stereotypes
The findings challenge previous results from Deloitte this year that indicated only six per cent of Gen Zs have the goal of reaching a leadership position.
A poll from ResumeBuilder.com in 2023 also showed that Gen Z employees aren't seen as hardworking, driven, or resilient as the other generations in the workforce.
