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We all want the same things from our workplaces: job security, high income, opportunities for advancement and economic rewards.
But as the world changes, each generation responds to the social, political and cultural needs of their time.
93% of corporate employees under 30 agree: the more socially and environmentally responsible their company becomes, the more motivated and loyal they will be as employees.
If you were part of the Baby Boomers generation, born 1945-1964, you may have been deeply impacted by the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. Your generation generally agreed that company loyalty, teamwork and sacrifice were important for a successful career.
On the other hand, those of you who are Generation X, born 1965-1980, may have been more impacted by the AIDS epidemic and the dot-com boom. Your generation tends to find purpose in workplaces that prioritize diversity and work-life balance.
Source: Purdue Global, Generational Differences in the Workplace
Source: Dana Jung for the C40 Campaign
"There has been this pressure building because as Gen Z, we’re the last generation to be able to turn this around… Gen Z wants to work for companies that have a positive impact."
Maya Penn, Conversation with Bill Weihl for ClimateVoice
Younger Generations' Views on Climate Change
Younger Generations' Views on Climate Change
It should come as no suprise that younger generations have been shaped collectively by events like 9/11, the internet, the Great Recession, and climate change as an increasingly urgent threat. What do studies tell us about the workplace motivations and needs of these young workers, born 1981 and beyond?
Many are still aging into the workplace, but Gen Z and Millennials already collectively represent the largest cohort of working-age people. Recent data paints a compelling picture of these generations' priorities when it comes to the changing climate.
High Levels of Concern
High Levels of Concern
Studies consistently show that Millennials and Gen Z are deeply concerned about climate change.
According to a 2024 Deloitte survey of more than 22,000 people globally, 62% of Gen Z and 59% of Millennials reported feeling anxious or worried about climate change in the past month.
A 2024 survey of 15,793 US-based respondents found that 85% of respondents aged 16-25 were at least moderately worried about climate change, with 57.9% very or extremely worried.
Research from Cardiff University revealed that Millennials and Gen Z experience greater levels of fear, guilt, and outrage about climate change impacts compared to older generations.
Hire Hopkins, and this site, use Pew Research's definitions that define the boundaries of each generation.
Personal Impact and Action
Personal Impact and Action
Climate change is not just an abstract concern for younger generations; it affects their daily lives and decision-making:
42.8% of young Americans aged 16-25 said climate change is impacting their mental health, while 38.3% indicated that their feelings about climate change negatively affect their daily life.
Over 70% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents reported actively trying to minimize their environmental impact.
Workplace Expectations
Workplace Expectations
Career Decisions
Career Decisions
Younger generations are increasingly factoring climate considerations into their career choices:
A 2024 Deloitte survey found that over 40% of Gen Z and Millennials have changed jobs or plan to do so due to climate concerns.
Approximately 55% of respondents research brands' environmental impact and policies before accepting a job.
Workplace Activism
Workplace Activism
Gen Z and Millennials are actively pushing for change within their workplaces:
About half of Gen Zs (54%) and Millennials (48%) reported pressuring their employers to take action on climate change.
This trend has been steadily increasing since 2022, indicating growing activism among younger employees.
Desire for Education and Involvement
Desire for Education and Involvement
Younger employees want to be part of the solution and seek opportunities to learn and contribute.
Nearly a third of respondents from a Fortune survey expressed a desire for sustainability training from their employers.
Gen Z and Millennials are looking for employers who can empower them to make a difference in addressing climate change.
For businesses, the message is clear: sustainability isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have for attracting and retaining top talent. And companies that fail to address these concerns risk losing a significant portion of their workforce.
Data from the Society of HR Management shows that the cost of replacing an employee can be as high as 60% of their annual salary.
"I feel a sense of pride by being part of a company that is trying to push the envelope and be ahead of the game – or be even with the pack, let’s be real. I don’t like a company that is stagnant or doesn’t care about anything other than themselves and making money."
Sunken City, Hyunwoo Bang. Jeju, Republic of Korea 2024
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