Latest news with #GenerationZ.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Employers, beware: Gen Z is the ‘pragmatic generation' redefining success, seeing money as just a means to an end, landmark EY survey says
A seismic generational shift is underway, and its epicenter is Generation Z. Born from 1997 onward, Gen Z is coming of age in a world where traditional milestones like landing a lifelong job, buying a house in your twenties, or chasing wealth for its own sake have become difficult, or borderline impossible, in the modern economy. Gen Z has responded pragmatically, insisting, well, maybe they don't really want those things anyway. A massive new study from EY's Generational Dynamics core team, spanning more than 10,000 young adults across 10 countries and five continents, finds Gen Z is often misunderstood—and their measured approach should define them as the 'pragmatic generation.' The authors, Marcie Merriman and Zak Dychtwald, wrote Gen Z approaches 'life's traditional milestones' with a sort of 'reasoned skepticism.' According to Joe Depa, EY Global chief innovation officer, the research reveals how 18- to 34-year-olds are taking a surprisingly pragmatic approach to adulthood, finances, and their future. 'Far from being financially reckless,' Depa tells Fortune Intelligence, 'this generation is focused on long-term stability and redefining success along the way.' Money, for them, is necessary but not the be-all and end-all: 87% say financial independence is important, yet only 42% rate wealth as a primary marker of success, trailing far behind metrics like mental and physical health and family relationships. Put simply, for Gen Zers, financial stability is a tool—not a goal. They use money to open doors to flexibility, purpose, and well-being. Depa says the research 'tells a different story' about Gen Z. 'The idea that young adults are postponing adulthood is outdated.' They're approaching life milestones not with rebellion but with 'reasoned skepticism and a global perspective.' As employees and customers, Gen Z will challenge organizations that have been wired around a different way of doing things. For business leaders, understanding this shift will be vital to attracting and retaining talent. The job-hoppers Where baby boomers and Gen Xers often stuck with one employer for decades, Gen Z is dismantling that concept. EY's research found 59% of young adults globally expect to work for two to five organizations throughout their lives, and nearly 20% say they will work for six or more. This flexible approach to employment—embracing job changes and flexible gig work—reflects not only a desire for varied experiences but also a strategic response to rapid change, uncertainty, and a lifetime of economic instability. 'Younger generations are not merely reacting to financial constraints,' the EY Generational Dynamics team writes, but making rational and thoughtful decisions about what aligns with both their own lived experiences and the pitfalls suffered by previous generations. EY says it's a perspective that contrasts sharply with the 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' mentality often espoused by older generations, with Gen Z finding that to be dismissive of their specific context. Redefining success: inside out, not outside in Success, in Gen Z's eyes, is an inside-out project: emotional well-being, strong relationships, and impact outrank titles and salaries. It's no longer about ticking the boxes of homeownership, lifelong employment, or even traditional family milestones. Landmarks such as marriage and children are being postponed—not out of rejection, but for pragmatic reasons: economic insecurity, housing unaffordability, and a desire to be emotionally and financially prepared. The rise of job-hopping has replaced the well-worn 'script' of adulthood: Only 59% see working for a single organization as a viable path, whereas nearly 20% of respondents said they plan to work for six or more employers in the course of their careers. Linear career ladders and employer loyalty are giving way to 'project-based' growth, taking new jobs, and side hustles, all in search of variety, autonomy, and purpose. 'Job-hopping is not viewed as a negative, but an essential step to open doors and advance opportunities,' the EY team writes. The average Gen Z respondent reports feeling like an adult earlier than previous generations, and as a result, more than half (51%) said they prioritize physical and mental health as their chief markers of success, with family ties also outranking wealth in many countries. The push for authenticity is also striking; 84% cite 'being true to oneself' as extremely important. Employers, beware (and evolve) For Gen Z, a job is not a life sentence, nor is money alone enough to keep them engaged. Employers used to loyalty and linear career ladders may be blindsided by Gen Z's willingness to prioritize purpose, wellness, and flexibility—even if it comes at the expense of job security or long-term benefits. Conventional incentives are losing their grip. For employers, this new pragmatism is both a wake-up call and an opportunity. Flexibility is mandatory, with hybrid and remote work, fluid hours, and support for 'micro-retirements' between jobs becoming nonnegotiable. Gen Z expects employers to have clear values around well-being, sustainability, and social justice—and to act on them. Over 70% want their employer to be transparent about values and pay, and are unafraid to challenge leadership if authenticity is found wanting. This generation will quickly leave if growth stalls: 57% would quit for better professional development. They crave mentorship, personalized learning, and a sense of upward mobility. Gen Z is less loyal to brands or employers unless that loyalty is returned; nearly half say they have 'zero loyalty' to brands, and only about 60% feel any loyalty to their employer. Empathetic leadership and honest, two-way communication are expected, not a bonus. Gen Z wants to be included in company decisions and expects a seat at the table. This finding aligns with separate research from Glassdoor, whose Worklife Trends report in June 2025 found emotional intelligence is now a standard expectation held by workers, many of them Gen Z. 'The bar on what constitutes a good manager has been raised,' Glassdoor chief economist Daniel Zhao previously told Fortune Intelligence. Employers slow to adapt to these realities won't just struggle to recruit Gen Z—they'll risk losing relevance altogether. The pragmatic playbook demands companies redesign everything from hiring and communication to values and pay structures. The flip side? Gen Z's pragmatism can also be an asset: They are technologically adept, mission-driven, and resourceful. But their skepticism can also translate into disengagement or even open dissatisfaction if workplaces fail to address their real priorities. Businesses would be pragmatic in their own right to tune into what Gen Z values most—authentic leadership, transparent communication, and support for well-being—if they want to retain this generation. For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
Mint
10-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
DIY lending for Gen Z? Inside India's new era of seamless, personalised credit
In the very near future, the most influential demographic in India's active financial ecosystem will be Generation Z. As of 2025, India's Gen Z population (born ~1997–2012) is estimated at around 380 million, making up nearly 26% of the country. Of these, approximately 317 million are aged 18 and above, forming a massive segment of digitally native, financially active individuals whose expectations from financial services are shaped by seamless, secure, and tech-driven experiences. These are cohorts that have grown up surrounded by automation, digitisation, and an unwavering focus on customer experience. For them, digital interaction is second nature from education to entertainment, from ordering food to shopping for toys, every part of their lives has been shaped by seamless digital access. Gadgets, apps, and digital tools are as common to them as Barbie dolls and Hot-wheels once were for previous generations. Naturally, their expectations from financial products and services are deeply rooted in the digital realm. They demand speed, convenience, and minimal human intervention whether it's opening a bank account, investing in mutual funds, or applying for credit. This generation has also witnessed a world where credit is accessible for everything from a few thousand rupees for daily needs to several lakhs or crores for significant investments. Regardless of the amount, what remains consistent is their demand for a smooth, intuitive, and trustworthy experience. And it doesn't stop at convenience they also expect robust digital security. Multifactor authentication, strong passwords, PINs, biometrics, and even complex passcodes are now standard expectations. These young digital natives want to feel secure while navigating financial services with ease. This places a significant responsibility on the financial ecosystem to innovate and deliver. While we have seen progress in savings products that blend utility with experience like theme-based savings accounts and lifestyle-linked rewards credit products still have room to evolve. Credit cards, for instance, have diversified into multiple variants catering to specific needs like online shopping, travel, or luxury experiences. But lending, especially mid-to-large ticket lending, still faces friction. Small-ticket digital loans have become almost real-time, but larger loans over ₹ 5 lakh, for example, still come with manual intervention processes and fragmented user journeys. Compounding the issue is the fact that loans are often tied to a specific end-use: buying a phone, a laptop, a vehicle, a house, or funding a medical expense. Each of these purposes is evaluated with a separate risk model, despite the fact that the borrower is the same individual. This raises an important question: can we shift from end-use-based risk models to borrower-centric ones? What if we assessed creditworthiness based solely on the individual's profile, their financial behaviour, income patterns, repayment history regardless of whether the loan is for a used car, a vacation, or home renovation? The good news is that India's digital infrastructure is increasingly enabling this shift. Regulatory initiatives and frameworks like the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile), Account Aggregators (AA), availability of alternative data and strengthened credit bureaus are creating an integrated ecosystem of verified, permission-based personal data. Today, lenders can access: Identity and Address verification via Aadhaar Income tax returns through PAN GST data for trade and business profiles Bank transaction history Utility bills payment history Repayment behaviour through credit bureaus Together, these data streams can form a comprehensive 360-degree view of the borrower, enabling the creation of truly robust and intelligent credit models. Such models could eventually lead to a unified credit journey - a single, streamlined digital experience where a borrower simply states how much credit they need and for how long. With a single consent, they could allow access to verified financial data, receive tailored loan offers, compare terms, and choose the best credit facility all within minutes. To support this vision, the RBI's recent launch of the Unified Lending Platform (ULP) marks a significant milestone. This initiative aims to bring together all stakeholders borrowers, lenders, data providers, and regulators into one seamless, digital lending ecosystem. By enabling better decision-making and more personalised offerings, ULP has the potential to redefine credit accessibility and elevate the customer experience in lending across India. As India moves toward this unified and borrower-centric future, the opportunity is clear: reimagine lending not as a fragmented, purpose-led transaction, but as a continuous, personalised experience rooted in trust, data, and digital empowerment. For lenders, this means moving beyond legacy systems and embracing intelligent infrastructure that speaks to the expectations of a new generation. For borrowers, especially the Gen Zs and Alphas driving tomorrow's economy, it means access to credit that is not just faster, but fairer, smarter, and truly aligned with their digital-first lives. The road ahead is not just about digitising loans; it's about humanising credit through technology, policy, and purpose - or do we call it DIY lending? Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers should verify details independently and consult relevant professionals before making financial decisions. The views expressed are based on current industry trends and regulatory frameworks, which may change over time. Neither the author nor the publisher is responsible for any decisions based on this content. Ramkumar Gunasekaran, Director Sales, CRIF High Mark
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From bad to worse: Trump's approval rating crashes among Gen Z after swing state blowback
Donald Trump's Approval Rating Crashes With Gen Z Amid Growing Discontent- President Donald Trump is facing a major drop in support from one of the most influential and fastest-growing voter blocs—Generation Z. According to multiple new polls, Trump's approval rating among young Americans has taken a serious hit in June, marking a steep decline from the inroads he made with them during the 2024 election. In the latest YouGov/Yahoo News poll conducted from June 26 to June 30 with 1,597 adults, Trump's net approval rating among Gen Z voters fell sharply—from -23 points in May to -41 points in June. His overall approval rating in this group now stands at just 27%, with a margin of error of ±3.2%. Why is Donald Trump losing support among Gen Z voters? Experts believe the drop reflects more than party politics. Lucas Walsh, a political behavior professor at Monash University, explained to Newsweek that Gen Z voters are more focused on specific issues than party loyalty. He said, 'These younger voters often care less about red and blue party lines and more about issues, particularly progressive ones, and issues affecting the bottom line of their day-to-day lives.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo In the 2024 presidential election, Trump surprised many by narrowing the usual Democratic lead among 18–29-year-olds. According to AP VoteCast, this group supported Kamala Harris over Trump by a slim 51% to 47%, a far smaller gap than in 2020, when Joe Biden beat Trump among Gen Z voters 61% to 36%. What do the latest Trump approval polls show? Recent surveys confirm a broader decline in Trump's approval among Gen Z. In a Quantus Insights poll conducted between June 30 and July 2 among 1,000 registered voters, only 35% of Gen Z voters approved of Trump's job performance, while 58% disapproved. Just a month earlier, Trump held a 46% approval and 51% disapproval rating with this group. Live Events Another study by ActiVote, conducted between June 1 and June 30 with 523 adults, found similar results. In June, just 32% of Gen Z voters approved of Trump's performance, while 62% disapproved—a major shift from May, when support and disapproval were nearly even at 47% vs 48%. Is Gen Z losing faith in Trump's economic and inflation policies? The decline isn't limited to general approval—it runs deep into key issues like the economy and inflation. At the start of June, 33% of Gen Z voters approved of Trump's handling of the economy, compared to 54% disapproval. By the end of the month, approval had dropped to 32%, and disapproval rose to 60%. On inflation, a top concern for young people, the numbers were even more alarming. Trump's approval in this area fell from 32% approve / 57% disapprove in early June to just 23% approve / 69% disapprove by month's end. How has Trump's immigration stance impacted Gen Z approval? Immigration, another key issue where Trump has maintained a strong public stance, also appears to be costing him Gen Z support. In early June, he had 40% approval and 52% disapproval among younger voters on immigration. By the end of the month, that dropped to 30% approval and 65% disapproval—a 15-point swing. This downward shift reflects increasing discomfort among young voters with Trump's approach on divisive topics, as many in Gen Z lean more toward inclusive and humanitarian perspectives on immigration policy. Is dissatisfaction with Trump translating into democratic gains? Interestingly, the growing frustration with President Trump does not seem to be benefiting Democrats significantly. The Quantus poll found that 43% of Gen Z voters feel neither party represents American values—a sign that many young Americans feel politically alienated, not just from Trump, but from the entire political system. Meanwhile, the broader mood among Gen Z is shifting toward pessimism. According to YouGov/Yahoo, only 21% of Gen Z voters now believe the U.S. is headed in the right direction, down from 27% in May. Those who feel the country is on the wrong track jumped from 53% to 66% within a month. What does this mean for Trump heading into 2025? President Trump's sharp drop in support among Gen Z voters could pose a serious challenge for his administration and reelection strategy. Although he gained ground in the 2024 election with younger voters, recent data suggests that those gains are quickly fading. Whether it's the economy, inflation, immigration, or his post-election policy shifts, young voters appear increasingly disillusioned with Trump's leadership. As Lucas Walsh pointed out, 'Economic hardship and uncertainty typically affect younger people disproportionately during downturns,' making Gen Z especially sensitive to issues like job security, rent, student loans, and affordability—issues where many feel Trump is falling short. For now, Trump's approval rating among Gen Z is in free fall. Unless major changes occur, this could have long-term implications for both his presidency and the Republican Party's ability to engage with future generations. FAQs: Q1: Why is Donald Trump's Gen Z approval rating falling? Because Gen Z is frustrated with his handling of issues like inflation, the economy, and immigration. Q2: Did Donald Trump gain Gen Z support in the 2024 election? Yes, but recent polls show that support is now quickly slipping away.
India.com
15-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Who is Radhika Subramaniam, the unique travel influencer suddenly being discussed on social media, she is special because...
Meet Radhika Subramaniam, India's first AI-powered travel influencer India's first digital personality created with the help of AI: Each of us feel to travel across the globe with no limitations of money and time. However, due to jobs, schooling or other responsibilities, we cannot do that. Solving the problem, India's first digital personality has been created with the help of AI. Radhika Subramaniam has been recently in news for being India's first digital personality created with the help of AI. India's first AI based digital personality More specifically, Radhika Subramaniam is AI travel influencer who travels to different states of India presenting the culture and historical stories of those places in English and Tamil languages on social media platforms. Created by Collective Artists Network, Radhika Subramaniam is a solo traveler who represents Generation Z. Who created Radhika Subramaniam? 'Radhika feels like someone we all know, the friend who actually quit their job and went on that dream trip,' Vijay Subramaniam, Founder and Group CEO of Collective Artists Network, responsible for the recent creation said. 'She's thoughtful, independent, and wants to connect with people. With Radhika, we wanted to build more than just a new kind of influencer. We wanted her to tell stories that feel personal and real', the Group CEO added. 'There's a warmth to Radhika that's hard to fake. She's not just spitting out trends or trying to be viral — she actually gets the context. For brands, that's gold. You get someone who's always on, always in sync with your voice — but also genuinely engaging for the audience. That kind of storytelling at scale is really exciting.', Sudeep Subhash, Chief Revenue Officer at Collective Artists Network and CEO of Big Bang Social was quoted as saying by a Economic Times report. How Radhika Subramaniam was created! Radhika has been created using tools like machine learning, natural language processing, and generative design and she does not have to spend money to visit these places. The virtual travel influencer presents luxury content with posting images, writing captions, and even interacting with followers online.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kitkat gives GenZ a break from decision-making
HighlightsNestle Kitkat has launched the campaign 'Kitkat Snap to Decide' featuring actor Jackie Shroff, aimed at providing a fun break from everyday decision-making. According to Gopichandar Jagatheesan, head of the confectionery business at Nestle India, the campaign transforms trivial dilemmas into light-hearted moments for consumers, particularly targeting Generation Z. The campaign encourages individuals to take a playful approach to decision-making, promoting the idea that sometimes the best way to decide is simply to snap and go with the flow. Nestle Kitkat has launched its latest campaign, ' Kitkat Snap to Decide ' with actor Jackie Shroff . Gopichandar Jagatheesan, head, confectionery business , Nestle India , said, 'With 'Snap to Decide', we've taken a familiar brand ritual and turned it into a fun, relatable tool that gives them a much-needed break from decision-making .' While life continues to be all about choices, from trivial to significant —especially for the Gen Z—this campaign transforms everyday dilemmas into light-hearted, 'no-pressure' moments. From choosing playlists to picking meals – even the smallest of choices can feel exhausting in today's always-on world. With Snap to Decide, Kitkat offers a playful way to take a break from overthinking —just snap and go with the flow, the brand stated in a press note. The rollout continues with a range of digital creators who are bringing the idea to life: sometimes, the best way to decide is with the snap of a Kitkat. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by KITKATINDIA (@kitkatindia)
