Seeking a sense of purpose: Generation Z
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| Updated ; first published
Executive summary
Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) is the newest addition to the workforce,1 making up approximately a quarter of both the global population and the global workforce in 2025.2 Combined with Millennials, they are projected to comprise nearly three-quarters of the global workforce by 2030.3
As digital natives, members of Gen Z have never lived in a world without the internet, so they bring both their experiences and their expectations around technology to the workplace. As early and enthusiastic users of AI at work,4 they are able to help colleagues adapt to the technology while at the same time pushing their organizations to use AI responsibly and ethically.5
Organizations that understand Gen Z and what motivates them will be well-positioned to ensure they are successfully included within multigenerational workplaces — and reap the benefits they bring to the business.
How to cite: Hughes, V. (2021). Seeking a sense of purpose: Generation Z. Catalyst. 2025.
© Catalyst Inc. 2021, updated 2025
Note: Catalyst cautions against making comparisons between generations, noting that empirical research has not regularly found support for differences between generational cohorts.6 These comparisons are frequently stated or implied in non-empirical research, but without noting the statistical significance of any between-generation comparisons. As such, generational comparisons without valid statistical support can lead to myths, stereotypes, bias, and discrimination between generations at work. Descriptive data used in this piece is meant to provide a snapshot of Generation Z only and should not be used to demonstrate differences between Gen Z and other generations.