Much is said and written about Generation Z. Born from 1997 onwards, raised with the popularization of the internet, advocates of diversity and inclusion, committed to social and environmental sustainability, this segment of the population, which adds numerous other peculiarities in their way of living and relating, will reach the next year representing 27% of the global workforce. In some companies, it already surpasses numerically thebaby boomersborn between 1945 and 1964 To understand the behavior of Generation Z, who aspire to leadership positions in organizations, the Top Employers Institute, a global authority on HR practices excellence, releases the report "Generation Z: Redefining the Future of Work."
The Top Employers Institute brings together over 2,300 certified companies in 121 countries, including Brazil. The unprecedented survey, which interviewed 1,700 people aged 18 to 27 across 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 in the report. Certification contributes greatly to this, as it is a reference in the implementation of these practices, which are considered trends,” says Raphael Henrique, regional manager for Latin America at the Top Employers Institute.
The survey results reveal that Generation Z values work-life balance, purpose-driven employment, growth opportunities, and financially stable companies. Based on these three indicators, Raphael Henrique observes that organizations that adopt these priorities are better positioned not only to attract and retain younger talent but also to ensure the best experience for employees.
More than any other generation, Generation Z wants to reach the position of CEO. In America, there are already over 6,000 professionals aged up to 27 in high leadership positions. But while the long-awaited promotion does not arrive, the global Top Employers survey reveals particularities that also serve as guiding principles for Brazilian organizations.
Among the maininsightsThe research shows that Generation Z primarily wants to be heard in organizations. When asked if they would accept a higher salary if it meant a better work-life balance, 62% of participants responded yes. Of the 1,700 respondents, 82% consider it important to have flexibility to manage their working hours, while also confirming the relevance of choosing the well-being offers provided by the company. Most (80%) say that employers are responsible for the continuous qualification of employees. While 81% said employers should support physical well-being, 83% add that the responsibility also lies in employees' psychological balance.
Regarding "connection and leadership," 78% of respondents believe that work is a place to build communities, social connections, and belonging. The most valued quality in a leader, according to the research, is emotional intelligence. Still regarding leadership, Generation Z believes that a leader must necessarily be motivating, inspiring, and empathetic.
For a hyperconnected generation, artificial intelligence has immediate benefits, such as learning new skills. However, the respondents also express anxiety about how AI would impact their personal and professional lives in the long term.
Generation Z, in Raphael Henrique's view, 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, empowered, and sustainable corporations," concludes the regional manager for Latin America at the Top Employers Institute.
Access the report “Generation Z: Redefining the Future of Work” athttps://bit.ly/prgenzreport .
