By Mark McCrindleThursday 2 Jun 2022NewsReading Time: 2 minutes
The world is changing at a faster rate than ever before.
For older generations, this is another unique experience in the tapestry of their life. For Generation Z, this is the world they are being shaped in.
In a time of rising complexity, it is more important than ever to understand Generation Z’s experience, their expectations and desires for the future. By understanding their worldview, hopes, fears and values, we can then seek to engage them in more relevant ways.
Generation Z are a values-driven generation who want to own their own home
The Great Australian Dream is still alive and well among Australia’s young people, with 72 per cent of students hoping to own their own home one day. This is followed by having full financial freedom and independence (67 per cent) and exceling in their career (67 per cent).
Travel is still an aspiration among young Australians, with two in three students (66 per cent) hoping to head off and see the world.
Half of Generation Z (51 per cent) have a desire to live a sustainable lifestyle. More than two in five (45 per cent) aspire to work in an organisation that aligns with their values.
The desire to live a life of impact is important, with three in ten wanting to have an impact on their local community (30% per cent) or to have an impact globally (27 per cent).
Students fear a lack of finances and fulfilment
The greatest fears for Generation Z centre on not achieving their hopes and dreams for the future. In alignment with their hopes to own a home and have full financial freedom, the greatest fear for today’s students is not having enough money to live comfortably (65 per cent).
While more than two in five (45 per cent) aspire to work in an organisation that aligns with their values, three in five (61 per cent) fear being stuck in a job that they don’t enjoy or find fulfilment in. This highlights how important purpose is to where this generation will choose to work.
More than half (54 per cent) fear not reaching their full potential while 41 per cent fear not making a difference with their life.
Gen Z have multiple expectations of an organisation – it isn’t just the job description but the workplace culture, the variety, fun, training, management style, and flexibility which drives them.
As this generation begins their working life, an understanding of their hopes and fears will be crucial to attracting and retaining them.
For more insights on Generation Z, download the free report today:
Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.
About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.
Feature image: Photo by Joanna Nix-Walkup on Unsplash