Generation Z: the Absent Leaders – What Can Be Done?
The workforce landscape is evolving rapidly, and Generation Z is at the forefront of this change. As professionals become increasingly less willing to sacrifice their leisure time for work, the leadership gap is becoming more apparent than ever before. The question now is: how can we prevent this gap from widening further?
According to a study conducted by Visier, a human analysis and workforce planning software, a staggering 91% of independent workers do not aspire to become people managers due to stress, pressure, or job satisfaction. This sentiment was further supported by a survey of 1,000 full-time US workers in August 2023, which revealed a significant shift in career and people management goals.
One of the primary reasons cited by workers for not pursuing leadership roles is the changing priorities of today’s society. “The pandemic forced us to rethink our values, and the ambitions of today’s workforce have shifted to reflect the changing dynamics of the job market,” explains executive coach Milena Brentan. The Visier study confirmed this shift, with career-related goals ranking fourth among workers, behind spending time with family and friends, maintaining physical and mental health, and pursuing personal interests such as travel and hobbies.
While workers of all ages were included in the study, the desire of Generation Z to strike a balance between work and personal life stood out prominently. “More than any other generation, Gen Z values meaningful experiences, flexibility, and a healthy work environment,” notes Luciana Carvalho, CEO of Chiefs.Group. Taking on leadership roles, which often come with increased workloads and responsibilities, may be perceived as incompatible with their desire for a high quality of life. However, Carvalho emphasizes that this does not mean that Generation Z is averse to work altogether.
The primary challenge facing Generation Z is a lack of confidence in their leadership abilities. According to the Visier study, 55% of Generation Z respondents expressed a desire to become people managers, but their self-doubt may inhibit them from pursuing such roles. This insecurity could exacerbate the looming “leadership gap” in the job market, as noted by Daniela Diniz, director of content and IR at Ecossistema Great People & Great Place to Work.
The shifting priorities of the younger workforce are evident across various generations. Generation X rejected the traditional notion of staying with one employer until retirement, while Generation Y emphasized the importance of finding meaning in work rather than just earning a paycheck. Generation Z, meanwhile, entered the workforce during the pandemic, a time when remote work and flexibility were highly valued.
Despite their desire for balance and meaningful experiences, Generation Z may be less inclined to pursue executive roles. Research conducted by YouGov Global Profiles found that a majority of Latin American Generation Z individuals would prioritize their leisure time over career advancement. This contrasts with Latino Baby Boomers, who are more willing to make sacrifices for their jobs.
The lack of job satisfaction among Latin American Generation Z workers may be attributed to their focus on career progression and personal fulfillment, according to YouGov Latin America general director David Eastman. Only 43.5% of 18-27-year-old Latinos reported loving their jobs, the lowest percentage among all age groups surveyed. This stands in stark contrast to the job satisfaction levels of Baby Boomers and the general population.
In conclusion, the changing priorities and values of Generation Z are reshaping the landscape of leadership in the workforce. As these individuals prioritize work-life balance, meaningful experiences, and personal well-being, the traditional concept of leadership may need to evolve to meet their needs. By understanding and addressing the concerns of Generation Z, organizations can bridge the leadership gap and cultivate the next generation of leaders who are both capable and fulfilled in their roles.
