Generation Z arrives to define the future of work

Much is said and written about Generation Z. Born from 1997, grown with the popularization of the internet, adept of diversity and inclusion, committed to social and environmental sustainability, this portion of the population, which adds numerous other peculiarities in the way of living and relating, comes next year representing 27% of the world workforce.In some companies, it already numerically exceeds the number of people who work in the world baby boomers, born between 1945 and 1964. To understand the role of Generation Z, who aspires to leadership positions in organizations, the Top Employers Institute, a global authority on excellence in Human Resources practices, releases the report “Generation Z: Redefining the future of work”.

The Top Employers Institute brings together more than 2,300 certified companies in 121 countries, including Brazil.The unprecedented survey, which heard 1,700 people aged 18 to 27 in 9 countries and 4 continents, reveals behaviors, aspirations and perspectives of a generation of professionals on issues such as leadership, well-being, organizational culture and artificial intelligence.

“Top Employers organizations in Brazil have many points of identification with the reality presented by the report. The certification contributes a lot to this, because it is a reference in the implementation of these practices, considered” trends, says Raphael Henrique, regional manager for Latin America at Top Employers Institute.

The survey results reveal that Generation Z values work-life balance, purposeful employment and growth opportunities, as well as financially stable companies. From these three indicators, Raphael Henrique notes that organizations that adopt these priorities are better positioned not only to attract and retain younger talent, but also to ensure the best employee experience.

More than any other generation, Z wants to reach the position of CEO. In America, there are already more than 6 thousand professionals up to 27 years old in high leadership positions. But while the longed-for promotion does not arrive, the global survey Top Employers reveals particularities that are also guiding for Brazilian organizations.

Among the main actionable insights,, the research shows that Generation Z, as a priority, wants to be heard in organizations. When asked if they would accept a better salary if it meant a balance between personal and professional life, 62% of participants answered yes. Of the 1,700 respondents, 82% consider it important to have flexibility to manage their working hours, in the same way that they confirm the relevance of choosing the wellness offers offered by the company. Most (80%) state that employers are responsible for the continuous qualification of employees. While 81% said that employers must also support the psychological well-being of employees.

About “connection and leadership”, 78% of respondents believe that work is a place to build communities, social connections and belonging. The most appreciated quality in a leader, according to the survey, is emotional intelligence. Still about leadership, Generation Z considers that a leader must necessarily be motivating, inspiring and empathetic.

For a hyper-connected generation, artificial intelligence has immediate benefits, such as learning new skills.However, respondents also demonstrate anxiety about how AI would impact their personal and professional lives in the long run.

Generation Z, in the view of Raphael Henrique, brings new and challenging perspectives. “But regardless of the generation of professionals, a realignment of values is already necessary. As we embrace the transformations so desired by Generation Z we move forward to build more inclusive, diverse, capable and sustainable CORPORations”, concludes the regional manager for Latin America of the Top Employers Institute.

Access the report “Generation Z: Redefining the future of” work in https://bit.ly/prgenzreport .