Gen Z and millennials redefine career success, Deloitte reports
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — A growing number of Gen Z and millennial workers are redefining what success looks like—prioritizing financial stability, personal well-being, and purpose-driven work over corner office aspirations.
According to Deloitte Global’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, only 6% of Gen Z respondents cite reaching senior leadership roles as a primary career objective. Instead, these generations are focused on growth, learning opportunities, and work-life balance.
“Gen Zs and millennials launched their careers in the shadow of a global pandemic and a financial crisis—events that respectively shaped their expectations of work and what success looks like,” said Elizabeth Faber, Deloitte Global Chief People & Purpose Officer.
“These generations prioritize work/life balance and meaningful work as they strive for financial stability. And now, as they navigate the way GenAI is changing work, they are reevaluating the capabilities they need to succeed and the support they want from their employers.”
Purpose, pay, and well-being intertwined
Financial security remains elusive for nearly half of both Gen Zs (48%) and millennials (46%), up sharply from the previous year. Without it, respondents report lower mental well-being and a weaker sense of purpose at work.
Yet purpose remains critical: 89% of Gen Zs and 92% of millennials say it’s essential to job satisfaction. Definitions vary—some seek societal impact, while others see purpose in achieving financial independence or gaining skills to create change outside work.
Mentorship gaps and GenAI impact
Half of Gen Zs and 48% of millennials expect mentorship from their managers, but only a third report receiving it. Many also question whether higher education is adequately preparing them for modern career demands.
Meanwhile, around three-quarters of Gen Z (74%) and millennial (77%) respondents believe GenAI will affect their work within the year. Over half already use the technology in their daily roles, with nearly 30% using it frequently.
While many say GenAI improves their output and work-life balance, over 60% fear job displacement, prompting a search for roles considered safer from automation.
Deloitte suggests that employers must adapt quickly.
“By being thoughtful about the impact of technology and modernizing the way work is structured,” Faber said, “leaders have an opportunity to evaluate how the workforce is supported while advancing their organization.”
