Latest news with #2025GenZandMillennialSurvey
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Why the definition of a ‘dream job' has changed
When Komal Desai, 32, walked out of the KPMG office in Gurugram for the last time two years ago, it wasn't because of burnout, but due to boredom. 'I had every checkbox ticked, be it global clients or a salary my parents bragged about," she says. 'But every Monday I had the thought—is this all there is?" Desai now works at a not-for-profit think tank in Pune, where she writes policy briefs on agritech regulations. The pay cheque is humble and the hours are similar to her previous role, yet she calls it her dream job. 'I finally feel like the work I am doing has a purpose," she says. 'It's not just output on someone else's spreadsheet." Her pivot reflects a quiet churn in Indian workplaces. Across cubicles and co-working hubs, individuals are redefining what a dream job means, swapping prestige for fulfillment. Arvind Rao, 42, remembers how badly he wanted a large cabin in his 30s—it was his 'ultimate" dream. When he finally got it, he used to clock at least 12-14 hours of work a day. These days, the Bengaluru-based software developer at a multinational shuts his laptop by 6pm so he can teach his 11-year-old daughter mathematics. 'I still chase big ideas, just not at the cost of missing the rest of my life," he adds. 'Success means something else today. It is being present at dinner, knowing my kid's school project and waking up without dreading the day." He's in good company. The Upskilling Trends Report 2025-26 released by edtech firm Great Learning found that 82% of Indian professionals, out of the 1,000 surveyed across India, now prioritise work-life balance as much as financial compensation, signalling a significant shift in how people define a 'dream job". A mindset shift In other words, a 'dream job" is no longer one-size-fits-all. Of course, leaving a well-paying but taxing job could be difficult for many, but some professionals are willing to take the risk and seek more alignment with the kind of work they do, even if it means a lower salary. For someone, it may look like a hybrid role with time to pursue creative passions. Another person may want to be a freelancer with more autonomy. These individuals don't want to choose between work and life, they want both to fit together. It's not about sacrificing one for the other, but finding a balance where their job supports their lifestyle and personal goals. Gen Zs are more focused on work-life balance than climbing the corporate ladder, according to Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, based on the responses of 23,000-plus Gen Zs and millennials across the world. Only 6% say their primary career goal is to reach a leadership position. When asked the reasons for choosing to work for their current employer, learning and development is in the top three. For Priya Nair, 36, the epiphany came during a car ride two years ago. A former data scientist at a Mumbai-based ed-tech firm, she realised it had been three months since she had touched clay—her weekend therapy. After a year-long sabbatical from her job, she started a pottery studio in her hometown Kochi and now consults part-time for an organisation that creates ethical and scalable technologies for a better world to ensure a steady income. 'My LinkedIn profile is messy, but my life finally makes sense," she laughs. 'I used to obsess over job titles and pay hikes. Now, I care more about feeling rooted, making things with my hands and working on tech that has soul." It's a similar story with 25-year-old Shayan Sen. Many wonder why he turned down a high-paying role at a content streaming giant to join a small, independent audio studio in Kolkata. He grins, 'Here, I get to create the kind of music I love, like mixing bird calls with sitar loops. The pay gap is massive but so is the joy gap. Honestly, that's what matters more to me right now." Sen stays with his parents to save on expenses. The Talent Trends India 2025 report by global recruitment consultancy Michael Page shows that Indian professionals are more proactive about their career track. This year, 62% actively negotiated a raise, with 37% succeeding. There is also an increase in those seeking new jobs. The romance and the reality But chasing a dream job doesn't always mean you have achieved the world. Sometimes, the reality is very different. Richa Salvi, a 29-year-old communications lead at a social impact start-up in Hyderabad, was in corporate PR for six years before she landed a role aligned with her values. 'I wanted to do good work for good causes," she says. But six months in, she was grappling with chaotic workflows, weekend calls, and a manager who weaponised passion to justify overwork. 'There's this expectation that because you care about the mission, you should tolerate the mess," Salvi explains. 'It's still burnout, just with better branding." A 2025 Randstad Workmonitor survey of 26,000 people worldwide shows how easily a so-called 'dream job" can fall apart when the work culture is unhealthy. The study found that 58% of Indian employees have quit roles due to toxic work environments while 53% resigned because they didn't feel safe voicing their opinions. The new dream job, for many, isn't about titles or stability, but autonomy. Rohan Mehta, 34, a former marketing manager at a unicorn startup, now runs a two-person content agency from his flat in Goa. 'I earn half of what I did before. But I can take a Tuesday off without anyone incessantly pinging me on Slack," he says. The sentiment is widely echoed. A 2023 report by early talent platform Unstop, surveying over 5,350 Gen Z professionals in India, found that 47% prioritise work-life balance when evaluating jobs. This shows that young professionals care more about flexibility than income, even when choosing freelance work. Even employers are catching up by offering flexible gigs or mental health leave as part of their benefits. But as Mehta puts it, 'It's not really about perks anymore. It's about freedom with some stability. That's the new prestige." Different dreams The very idea of a dream job has gone from the ultimate goal to a fluid concept, which is constantly being rewritten as work lives evolve. As Rao, who once obsessed over his cabin, now puts it: 'What I thought was success at 30 doesn't excite me at 42. I still work hard, but now I care more about who I am working with and why." This kind of flexibility is still new. For older generations, a dream job was more fixed: something you worked hard to get and didn't question. Vishwanath Joshi, 65, spent over four decades in the public sector, retiring as a senior official in the railways. 'For us, the dream was quite simple. All we needed was stability, pension and a respectable title," he says. He recalls staying in the same job for 27 years, turning down international offers so his children wouldn't have to switch schools. 'I didn't love my job every day. But I slept well knowing I could provide for my family," he adds. When asked what Joshi thinks of the younger generation's evolving ideas of success, he says: 'We chose duty. It's good they have the freedom to choose joy."
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Which Indian cities offer the best work-life balance? Check if yours made it to the list
The young Indian workforce seeks equilibrium between professional success and personal well-being, refusing to sacrifice their sanity for career advancement. While Mumbai and Delhi dominate the financial and political landscapes, a new hierarchy has emerged where quality of life weighs as heavily as salary and growth prospects. Deloitte's 2025 GenZ and Millennial Survey reveals that work-life balance ranks among the top three reasons young professionals choose their current employer, ahead of climbing the corporate ladder. This shift, accelerated by remote work adoption and rising metro living costs, has created opportunities for cities previously on India's corporate periphery. According to the report, rising living costs is the top concern for both Gen Z (39%) and millennials (42%), surpassing mental health and unemployment. Nearly half don't feel financially secure, with over half living pay check to pay check, intensifying the appeal of lower-cost cities. Here are the top five cities for professionals seeking optimal work-life balance as shown in reports by Mercer Quality of Living Index (2023) and what the city offers its citizens pursuing harmony between professional and personal life. 1. Hyderabad: The smart city advantage for all sectors Global Ranking: 144th (Mercer 2023) Strength: Higher citizen satisfaction for infrastructure development Hyderabad's emergence as India's fastest-growing professional destination stems from strategic urban planning that prioritised sustainability and quality of life alongside economic development. Beyond the City technology complex, the city hosts major operations in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, financial services, and manufacturing, while maintaining infrastructure standards that rival international business districts. Hyderabad achieved the highest global ranking among Indian cities in Mercer's 2023 assessment, surpassing traditional leaders like Bengaluru and Pune. This performance reflects tangible improvements in healthcare accessibility, housing quality, and public services, factors that directly impact daily life for working professionals regardless of their industry. Cost efficiency remains Hyderabad's strongest selling point across all professional sectors. Accommodation costs average 40-50% lower than Bengaluru and Mumbai, while gated communities within metro connectivity offer suburban comfort without sacrificing urban convenience. The city's proactive approach to smart city initiatives, including integrated traffic management and digital service delivery, creates an environment where time spent on daily logistics decreases significantly. 2. Pune: Education hub turned multi-sector powerhouse Global Ranking: 145th (Mercer 2023) Strength: Consistently top-5 in national liveability assessments Pune's evolution from an educational centre to a major professional destination demonstrates how institutional strength can anchor sustainable growth across multiple sectors. The city's concentration of engineering colleges and research institutions created a natural pipeline for companies spanning technology (Infosys, TCS), automotive (Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto), manufacturing (Mahindra, Force Motors), and financial services, while fostering a robust startup ecosystem across diverse industries. Environmental factors give Pune a distinct advantage over larger metros for professionals in all fields. Air quality indices consistently rank among India's best for major cities, while proximity to hill stations and natural attractions provides weekend escape options within short driving distances. The city's healthcare infrastructure, anchored by premier medical institutions, offers quality services without the complexity of navigating larger urban systems. The pace of life, while urban and dynamic, remains manageable, a quality increasingly valued by professionals across industries prioritising long-term sustainability over short-term gains. 3. Bengaluru: India's professional hub with liveability edge Global Ranking: 146th (Mercer 2023) Strength: Technology hub with wide range of opportunities in a multicultural setup Bengaluru's transformation from a pensioner's paradise to India's most diversified professional center represents one of the most successful urban reinventions in recent history. Beyond its reputation as a technology hub, the city hosts major operations across sectors including finance (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley), consulting (McKinsey, Deloitte), pharmaceuticals (Biocon, Cipla), and aerospace (HAL, ISRO), creating an ecosystem where career mobility spans multiple industries. What distinguishes Bengaluru from other major professional hubs is its retention of liveability factors that typically erode with rapid urbanisation. The city's elevation ensures moderate temperatures year-round, while green spaces like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh provide respite from urban intensity. The cultural scene, from independent music venues to craft breweries, caters to a cosmopolitan workforce that values lifestyle alongside professional growth. 4. Chennai: Coastal stability with industrial depth Global Ranking: 150th (Mercer 2023) Strength: Superior public transportation and healthcare infrastructure Chennai's position in India's professional landscape often gets overshadowed by northern and western hubs, yet the city offers unique advantages for professionals seeking stability and cultural richness across multiple sectors. The presence of major automotive manufacturers (Ford, Hyundai, BMW), healthcare companies (Apollo Hospitals), financial institutions, and manufacturing units, combined with established IT operations, creates diverse career opportunities across industries. The city's public transportation system, including suburban rail networks and comprehensive bus services, provides reliable connectivity that reduces commute stress, a significant quality-of-life factor often overlooked in city comparisons. Healthcare infrastructure, supported by premier medical institutions offers both accessibility and quality that rivals any Indian metro. Chennai's cultural ecosystem presents another differentiating factor for professionals across all fields. The city's deep-rooted traditions in classical music, dance, and literature create a lifestyle environment that extends beyond professional networking. Coastal access, temple architecture, and culinary traditions provide cultural grounding that many professionals find lacking in newer business hubs. 5. Mumbai: Balanced opportunities Global Ranking: 154th (Mercer 2023) Strength: Hybrid work infrastructure and urban wellness solutions Mumbai represents India's most compelling paradox, a city where relentless professional ambition now coexists with surprising work-life balance solutions. While maintaining its position as the nation's financial capital (hosting RBI, Bombay Stock Exchange, and Fortune 500 HQs), the post-pandemic era has seen Mumbai develop unique balancing mechanisms across sectors including banking, media, healthcare, and technology. What distinguishes Mumbai from other metros is its ability to offer both unmatched career velocity and increasingly sophisticated lifestyle solutions. The city's coastal geography provides natural stress relief along Marine Drive and Bandra Bandstand, while new urban parks like the Mumbai Coastal Garden and revived open spaces in mill compounds offer green respite. Cultural institutions from the NCPA to Sassoon Dock art projects provide creative outlets that counter corporate intensity. Cost efficiency remains Mumbai's greatest challenge, but strategic residential choices in emerging hubs provide relative affordability with metro access. For those who master its rhythms, Mumbai delivers an unexpected proposition: career growth no longer requires complete personal sacrifice. The city's evolving work culture, combined with its natural advantages and infrastructure improvements, creates possibilities for professional achievement alongside quality living, a balance once considered impossible in India's commercial capital. Work-life redefining success The traditional paradigm of sacrificing personal life for professional advancement is giving way to more nuanced career decisions across all industries. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad continue to offer unmatched opportunities for rapid career growth across multiple sectors, while emerging destinations like Coimbatore provide lifestyle advantages that support long-term personal and professional sustainability. As remote work capabilities expand and cost-of-living pressures intensify in traditional metros, the cities that prioritise both economic opportunity and quality of life will increasingly attract the country's best talent across all professional fields. For working professionals navigating these choices, the decision extends beyond immediate salary considerations to encompass healthcare access, educational opportunities for children, environmental quality, and community stability. The cities that recognise and invest in these comprehensive needs will define India's next phase of professional and economic leadership across all sectors of the economy. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
New York Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Gen Z, Millennial workers reveal biggest job fear: ‘Very grim for us white collar employees'
They're young, they're tech-savvy, and they're not here to play by the old rules — but there's one thing that scares them out of their wits. A new survey from Deloitte has revealed what's really driving Gen Z and millennial workers in Australia – and it's not just job titles or paychecks. Instead, these generations are demanding purpose, flexibility and mental wellbeing from their employers. And if they don't get it? They'll walk. With Gen Zs and millennials expected to make up 74 percent of the global workforce by 2030, their expectations are setting the tone for the future of the workplace. Chasing purpose, not promotions Forget the corner office. What young Aussies really want is a job that means something. According to Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, a massive 94 per cent of Gen Zs and 92 per cent of Millennials say meaningful work is a top priority. And they're putting their money where their mouths are – 40 per cent of Gen Zs and 39 per cent of millennials say they have rejected a potential employer based on their personal ethics or beliefs. Gen Zs and millennials are already embracing tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms in their everyday work. M. Cunningham/ – Pip Dexter, Deloitte Australia's Chief People and Purpose Officer, said the days of sticking around for a steady pay packet are over. 'The centrality of purpose to job satisfaction is a driving force behind the career aspirations of these two generations,' she said. 'For them, career satisfaction hinges not just on salary, but on a job's ability to offer growth opportunities while aligning with their values. In this we see a greater expectation on employers to offer growth opportunities and meaningful work.' The AI edge – and anxiety Unsurprisingly, tech is front and centre in this generational shift. Gen Zs and millennials are already embracing tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms in their everyday work. And for many, it's paying off – they say AI is helping them save time and improve the quality of their work. But there's a catch: most haven't received any formal training in how to use these tools effectively revealing a disconnect between enthusiasm and confidence. Ms Dexter warned that employers who don't step up risk losing top talent. 'While AI offers immense potential for career advancement and efficiency, some feel insecure about its long-term impact on their job security. 'Employers who meet the demand for practical training to boost employees' AI literacy will benefit through higher retention rates and a more productive and confident workforce,' One Millennial data analyst who spoke to on the condition of anonymity said he was 'really f**king worried about AI'. 'Both myself and my wife have skilled jobs. However, these jobs are done almost fully behind a computer and are somewhat repetitive. 'I'm convinced that both our jobs and many more are on the chopping block. Even if our jobs survive for a bit longer, I can foresee s**t pay, crap job security and toxic conditions.' One Millennial data analyst who spoke to on the condition of anonymity said he was 'really f**king worried about AI'. REUTERS The worker said he had seen first-hand how good AIs are getting with skills central to his job like data entry, analysis and report writing. 'I've seen where things are heading with AI agents and their abilities to perform nearly any task that's done behind a computer,' he said. 'It is progressing fast and it is very grim for us white collar employees.' It's previously been warned artificial intelligence could create up to 200,000 jobs in Australia by the end of the decade. But that comes with a downside. Leading experts have revealed many jobs are likely to become obsolete thanks to the rapid rollout of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence technology. Major fast food chain in the United States have replaced drive-through staff with AI voice recognition, with machines now taking orders in place of humans. Experts in Australia said that type of technology could be implemented here within the year – and warned major disruptions in the food service sector would be just the start of things to come across many industries. Leading experts have revealed the jobs most likely to become obsolete thanks to the rapid rollout of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence technology. Last week, reported that a major fast food chain in the United States had replaced its drive-through staff with AI voice recognition, with machines now taking orders in place of humans. Experts in Australia said that type of technology could be implemented here within the year – and warned major disruptions in the food service sector would be just the start of things to come across many industries. Research by workplace technology firm Pearson and AI solutions provider ServiceNow warned any jobs that include a lot of repetitive and technical duties will be significantly impacted. It too forecasted the total number of job losses to be in the vicinity of 1.3 million over the next several years. Cost of living changing the game While values and tech matter, nothing is hitting harder than the rising cost of living. More than half of young Aussies (55 per cent Gen Zs and 51 per cent millennials) surveyed said financial stress is their number one concern. Some 64 per cent of Gen Zs and 59 per cent millennials are living pay cheque to pay cheque, and those who feel financially insecure are also more likely to report being unhappy in life and work. Traditional higher education is also taking a hit. Gen Zs are increasingly turning away from university degrees, citing high tuition costs and time constraints. Millennials, juggling family responsibilities, are doing the same. Instead, both generations are looking for hands-on learning, mentorship and real-world experience – and they want employers to make that part of the deal. 'Financial and time pressures are dissuading some Gen Z and millennial Australians from pursuing traditional higher education pathways. Many are now turning to their workplaces for training and career growth. But too often, that support just isn't there,' Ms Dexter said.
Techday NZ
15-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Gen Z & millennials seek balance, security & AI skills at work
Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey has found that younger generations in New Zealand and globally are experiencing shifts in workplace priorities, technology use, and attitudes towards financial security and career development. The survey, which gathered responses from more than 23,000 individuals across 44 countries, shows that Gen Z and millennials are increasingly seeking a balance of financial reward, personal fulfilment, and well-being in their professional lives. According to the study, these groups are expected to make up 74% of the global workforce by 2030. Lauren Foster, Partner at Deloitte New Zealand, said: "Instead of chasing corner offices, Gen Z and millennial workforces are looking for careers that pay fairly, align with their values and support their well-being. This shift presents a challenge for employers to rethink what leadership pathways look like and how they can support purpose-driven growth at work." Findings from the New Zealand snapshot of the survey indicate that financial security remains a significant concern. Sixty-four percent of Gen Zs and 56% of millennials in New Zealand report living paycheck-to-paycheck. About half—47% of Gen Zs and 53% of millennials—said they worry they will not be able to retire with financial comfort. In terms of work-related stress, 47% of Gen Zs and 45% of millennials in New Zealand said they feel stressed or anxious all or most of the time, with almost a third (31% Gen Zs and 29% millennials) identifying their jobs as a contributing factor to these feelings. Foster said: "Continued financial pressures and workplace stress are taking a toll on Gen Z and millennial workers. Many are feeling stretched, both economically and emotionally, but they're also driving a shift in what they expect from employers. They're looking for workplaces that actively support wellbeing, offer flexibility, and create a culture where people can thrive – not just survive." The report highlights the growing role of Generative AI (GenAI) at work. Usage is on the rise globally, with 74% of Gen Zs and 77% of millennials expecting GenAI to impact their work in the next year. In New Zealand, 36% of Gen Zs and 48% of millennials are already using GenAI in their everyday roles. Respondents using GenAI report perceived improvements in work quality and work/life balance. Despite these positives, more than six in ten express concern that GenAI could eliminate jobs, and many are seeking roles they see as safe from technology-driven disruption. The survey indicates a strong demand for ongoing training, with many respondents prioritising the development of both technical and soft skills. Globally, over 80% of Gen Z and millennial respondents believe that soft skills such as empathy and leadership are more important for career advancement than technical skills alone. Foster said: "Gen Zs and millennials are adopting generative AI tools at work and acknowledge the benefits of doing so. However, there's an undercurrent of concern too. They are enjoying the potential of these tools but wary of what they could mean for their own job security and the human side of work." The survey also explores changing attitudes towards education and leadership aspirations. Only 6% of Gen Zs globally cited reaching a senior leadership position as a primary career goal, though opportunities for learning and development remain among the top reasons for choosing an employer. In New Zealand, the expectation gap between what young workers want from managers and what they experience remains significant. While 57% of New Zealand Gen Zs and 62% of millennials want their managers to mentor them, only 44% of Gen Zs and 38% of millennials say this actually happens. Attitudes towards higher education are also evolving. Thirty percent of Gen Zs and 37% of millennials in New Zealand chose not to pursue higher education, compared to 31% of Gen Zs and 32% of millennials globally. The cost of tuition was the main concern for New Zealand respondents, with Foster noting: "More young people are questioning the value of traditional higher education, especially as the cost of living rises. The New Zealand snapshot shows the cost of tuition is the main concern for Gen Zs and millennials when it comes to the higher education system – and more so than what was seen globally. Fifty-seven percent of Gen Zs and 49% of millennials in New Zealand were concerned about the cost of tuition compared to 40% of Gen Zs and 38% of millennials globally." Purpose in work was identified as highly significant, with roughly nine in ten Gen Zs and millennials globally stating that a sense of purpose is important to their job satisfaction and well-being. While some define purpose as making a positive social impact, others focus on earning money, maintaining work/life balance, or acquiring new skills that enable contributions outside of work. The survey was based on online responses from 510 New Zealanders alongside the global sample, capturing the perspectives of 302 Gen Zs and 208 millennials living and working in New Zealand between October and December 2024.
