Gen Z Priorities in the Workplace
· wellness
The New Priorities of Gen Z in the Workplace
The latest survey from accounting firm KPMG has shed light on the priorities of Gen Z in the workplace, and it’s clear that career growth is their top concern. A staggering 93% of interns aspire to reach executive positions, indicating a strong desire for professional advancement.
This ambition is tempered by a sense of caution, however. Gen Z is aware of the risks associated with relying too heavily on AI, and they’re wary of becoming too dependent on automation. In fact, 76% of respondents believe that long-term career success will require both strong human skills and the ability to direct AI agents effectively.
This self-awareness is a refreshing change from earlier generations, who often saw technology as a panacea for all their problems. But it also raises important questions about what kind of skills are being developed in today’s workforce – and whether they’re truly preparing workers for an increasingly AI-driven economy.
As critical thinking becomes an essential skill in a world where AI is automating many routine tasks, employers need to start investing in programs that develop uniquely human skills. This means creating opportunities for employees to develop instincts, creativity, and critical thinking – not just teaching them how to use AI.
Derek Thomas, KPMG’s national partner-in-charge of university talent acquisition, notes that relying too heavily on AI can hinder long-term success. “Lean on AI for all the thinking early on,” he warns, “and you never build the instincts that make you a strong employee.”
Top CEOs like Jamie Dimon, Andy Jassy, and Daniel Lubetzky are singing the same tune: human skills will be what set workers apart in an AI-driven economy. Employers must recognize this shift and start building workers who can navigate complex challenges – not just those who can use technology to get by.
The KPMG survey shows that Gen Z is ahead of the curve on this issue, but it’s up to employers to catch up and create an environment that supports human growth and development. The future of work is here, and it’s time for businesses to stop pretending that AI will magically solve all our problems.
Reader Views
- DMDr. Maya O. · behavioral researcher
While it's heartening to see Gen Z's awareness of the limitations of AI, I'm concerned that employers might interpret this as a call for more job-specific training rather than genuinely nurturing human skills. A crucial distinction needs to be made between teaching employees how to work with AI and developing their capacity for creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence – which are precisely the skills that will remain uniquely valuable in an increasingly automated workforce.
- ANAlex N. · habit coach
While it's heartening to see Gen Z prioritizing career growth and recognizing the limitations of relying on AI, we can't ignore the elephant in the room: how will this emphasis on human skills translate into tangible job prospects? The article highlights the need for employers to invest in programs that develop uniquely human skills, but what about the role of education institutions in equipping students with these skills from the start? It's time to rethink our approach to skill-building and ensure that it's not just a buzzword, but a reality.
- TCThe Calm Desk · editorial
The emphasis on human skills in Gen Z's priorities is welcome, but we need to be clear about what that means in practice. Simply teaching employees how to use AI effectively won't cut it – employers must create environments where workers can develop the instincts and creativity that come from complex problem-solving, not just robotic adherence to algorithms. This requires a fundamental shift in how workplaces are designed, with an emphasis on hands-on learning, cross-functional collaboration, and experimentation. Anything less will leave employees feeling like automatons rather than innovators.