"Gen Z cares more about their purpose at work than a paycheck"
"Gen Z cares more about their purpose at work than a paycheck," per FORTUNE.
It seems that Gen Z, the digital-native demographic, has a strong affinity for artificial intelligence. Amy Feirn, U.S. managing principal for transformation at Deloitte, highlighted this in a recent study on Gen Z and millennials that explored their workplace values and understanding of generative AI.
“They expressed that when they used these tools and felt empowered by their organization to incorporate them into their daily activities, they felt more optimistic about their potential—their human potential—within their careers and organizations than if they weren’t using them,” Feirn said during a panel at Fortune’s Most Powerful Women summit in Laguna Niguel, California. However, some Gen Zers and millennials said they didn’t feel adequately equipped or empowered to use these tools, indicating a need for more investment in AI resources and training.
The same study also found that paycheck ranked last among millennials’ and Gen Z’s top three priorities. What mattered most was purpose—they wanted their companies to contribute positively to society. Work-life balance came in second, something senior leaders have adapted to over the years. In fact, it seems they’re taking cues from Gen Z in this area.
Emma Chalwin, Workday’s chief marketing officer, admitted that she used to say yes to everything. “I wouldn’t turn down any opportunity,” Chalwin said. “I traveled for every trip, thinking I’d be forgotten if I wasn’t present.” But over time, she learned to strike a balance. “It’s not just about reframing work-life balance, but about being authentic,” she added. “I’ve learned to manage my calendar, instead of letting it manage me.”
Gen Z and millennials seem to understand this balance naturally, and they also value vulnerability. Seema Hingorani, founder of Girls Who Invest and managing director at Morgan Stanley, emphasized this when discussing her work with young women from Gen Z. “I always share my family story because we all come from different places,” Hingorani said. Sharing personal stories can foster connections, as everyone’s background plays a role in shaping who they are.
Vulnerability and authenticity are often seen as strengths, especially among female leaders. “We make business purposeful by bringing emotion, vulnerability, perspective, and transparency,” Feirn said. Leaders must continue fostering these qualities while pushing for more diverse and inclusive workplaces.
Nadine Augusta, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at Cushman & Wakefield, noted that the commercial real estate industry is not known for its diversity, and there are few women in high-paying roles. To address this, her company has worked to create a space where female employees can speak up—whether by connecting through employee resource groups or fostering networks among women within the company.
That said, the path to leadership for today’s younger generations may differ from the one their predecessors took. According to Feirn, they’ll need skills that include simplifying complex ideas, navigating change, and understanding how technology shapes markets. Augusta added another essential skill: creativity.