The poll included over 23,000 respondents from these generations across 44 countries, finding that nearly a quarter have researched a company’s environmental impact or policies before accepting a job from them.
Indeed, more than one in 10 have even changed jobs due to concerns about their organisation’s impact, and almost half say they or their colleagues have put pressure on their employers to take action on protecting the environment.
Business inaction on climate and nature is also a major source of anxiety, with two-thirds of respondents saying they had felt worried or anxious about the environment over the last month.
“Gen Zs and millennials are clear about their workplace priorities: they seek employers whose values align with their own,” said Kate Sweeney, partner in human capital at Deloitte UK. “For most, career satisfaction isn't about climbing the traditional corporate ladder, which suggests a redefinition of success.”
The survey also found that nearly two-thirds of Gen Zs and millennials are willing to pay more for environmentally sustainable products or services, with around a quarter having researched a company’s green credentials before making a purchase.
Almost one-fifth have bought an electric vehicle, and more than a quarter have upgraded their home with more sustainable features, such as solar panels and geothermal heating or cooling systems.
Attitudes towards generative AI (GenAI) were also explored in the survey, which found that more than half of respondents already use it in their day-to-day work, while around three in 10 use the technology all or most of the time.
Although users said it improves the quality of their work and work/life balance, more than six in 10 also worry it will eliminate jobs and say it is motivating them to seek roles that they perceive as safe from GenAI-driven disruption.
With Gen Zs and millennials projected to make up 74% of the global workforce by 2030, the researchers said that employers should rethink their approach to training to ensure they are attractive to workers.
“Both generations view GenAI as a powerful tool with the potential to reshape the workplace, a perspective underscored by their clear desire to acquire relevant skills,” Sweeney said.
“This presents a crucial opportunity for employers to invest in AI training programmes, not only to meet the evolving demands of the workplace, but to encourage continuous learning."
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Chris Seekings is the Deputy Editor of IEMA’s Transform magazine, which is published biomonthly for IEMA members. Chris’s role involves writing sustainability-related news, features and interviews, as well as helping to plan and manage the magazine’s other day-to-day activities.