Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready?
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Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready?
Demographics 4 Executive summary 5 Attributes and aspirations of an entrepreneurial Gen Z cohort 7 1. Overwhelmingly optimistic about 2030 8 2. Entrepreneurial ambitions abound, with a yearning for original thought 10 3. Confident in communication and collaboration - less sure about handling challenges 12 4. High confidence in job skills and tech abilities despite mixed perceptions of school 14 5. Once in the workforce, diminished sense of preparedness and increased self-sufficiency 16 How leaders among Gen Z see education and the future of work 18 6. Extremely positive about globalization, automation and new work norms 19 7. Education on future-focused skills more important than traditional school subjects 21 8. Preference for hybrid virtual learning as an enabler of creativity, flexibility and diversity 23 9. Eagerness for more true-to-life work experiences and self-directed activities 25 10. Seeking guidance from formal education, multinationals and governments 27 How can business and education help Gen Z reframe the future? 29 Education 30 Business 31 Methodology 33
Foreword
As the largest generational cohort in history1, In recognition of their great potential to navigate
Gen Z’s attitudes and expectations are poised to the future, EY and JA Worldwide (JA) teamed up to
shape the next normal. If businesses are to thrive, get a better sense of the attitudes and beliefs that
and education systems are to successfully prepare drive the nearly 6,000 Gen Z survey respondents,
young people to adapt and flourish in the future of all of whom have participated in JA programs.
work, then it’s vital for leaders to understand this
generation’s ambitions and expectations. Our two global organizations have worked together
in more than 25 countries to bring entrepreneurship
Born between 19972 and 2007, Gen Z is the first education to thousands of students. This has given
generation to have been born entirely in the internet us the opportunity to survey and speak with a vast
age, with high mobile phone penetration3. Although sample of Gen Z youth from around the world, with
many Gen Z youth may commonly be seen with a 17 countries included in this study. Although our
phone in hand, the heart of this generation extends findings support the hypothesis formed in classrooms
Asheesh Advani, Julie Linn Teigland, well beyond a selfie-taking stereotype. Coming of and virtual sessions over the years — that Gen Z is
CEO, JA Worldwide EY EMEIA Area Managing age amidst the tumult of a climate emergency and well-placed and well-prepared to take on the world —
Partner and EY Global Leader — a global pandemic, Gen Z has not only been more the results yield quite a few surprises as well.
Women. Fast forward digitally connected4 than any preceding generation
during their formative years, but also more aware We’ve grouped our findings into 10 key insights
of environmental issues,5 more likely to advocate that together tell a story of how Gen Z youth see
on behalf of others, and more optimistic6 about the themselves: their skills, their learning preferences,
opportunities presented by a world that’s evolving their feelings about the future and their ambitions
faster than ever. and dreams.
Every day, in our work with students, we witness Although many business leaders and educators
the world-changing attitudes that this generation already understand what makes Gen Z tick, we hope
proudly embraces. Every day, we are inspired by the insights in this report inspire readers to go one
their curiosity, connectedness, ingenuity, and step further. Consider your role in helping Gen Z
resilience. youth achieve their larger-than-life aspirations.
Where others see threats of automation-driven How can your organization help to provide the
job loss, Gen Z sees a chance to dig into the more experiential education this generation yearns for?
creative work that robots can’t crack.
“How the next generation will shape the next normal.”
1
How can you personally support Gen Z in acquiring
EY, 28 January 2021 Where others feel fear about an unstable future, the skills and attitudes that the working world of the
2
Merriman, Marcie. “Is your business ready for Gen Z?” Gen Z feels optimistic about its abilities to set things future will require?
EY, 28 May 2018.
straight and tackle global challenges.
3
“The Mobile Economy 2020.” GSMA Intelligence, 2020. Preparing Gen Z for employment and entrepreneurship
67% of the global population has a mobile subscription and Where others might back down, Gen Z stands takes a village. Working together, we can help
there are 8.0 billion SIM connections prepare this generation of young people to take
empowered and confident.
“Gen Z — a generation of contradictions.” EY, April 2020. on the unprecedented challenges the world faces.
4
5
“Climate Change Ranks Highest as Vital Issue of Our Time —
Generation Z Survey.” Amnesty International,
10 December 2019.
6
Maroney, Joyce. “Meet Gen Z — Optimistic and Anxious.”
The Workforce Institute at UKG, 23 Sept. 2019. The
research included people from ages 16-25 across
12 countries and 4 continents
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 3
Demographics
5,725 17 years
respondents average age
Estonia
France
Spain
Romania
17
United States countries in 5 continents
India represented
Mexico Tunisia
United Arab Emirates
Guatemala
Nigeria Philippines
El Salvador
Malaysia Survey distribution spanned JA’s
Indonesia
global network of students and
Brazil alumni, with 5,725 responses from
Mauritius
17 countries. Responses were
collected from individuals in formal
education (students) and in the
workforce (workers).
Survey respondents ranged in age
from 16-25 years, with respondents
Survey respondent demographics aged 16-18 comprising 71% of the
overall sample.
Business ownership Does not own business Owns business
Student/ Worker The Gen Z sample group was drawn from JA
Life stage Student only Worker only participants and alumni who opted into taking
Prefer not to say the survey. Given JA programming is focused on
Gender Female Male entrepreneurship topics, respondents had been
exposed to entrepreneurship education and future
Gender nonconforming
skills-focused topics. In other words, this survey’s
22 years
Age 16-18 years old 19-21 years old
and older participants are likely more knowledgeable about
the questions posed than peers who had not been
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% through JA programs.
Executive summary
Specifically, these leaders among Gen Z are asking
for educators to offer innovative and creative
learning opportunities that augment traditional
teaching methods, and for businesses to support
their development and education. Gen Z survey
respondents said they feel technologically-adept
and show a high degree of self-sufficiency. They
are natural collaborators, keen to get involved in
problem-solving. However, they said they are less
confident that formal education is getting them job-
ready — a feeling that deepens when they enter the
workforce.
Gen Z seeks challenging, meaningful careers that
are both intellectually and socially stimulating: jobs
that will engage them in original thought and involve
daily interaction with a diverse group of individuals.
Unlike previous generations, they see the forces of
In late 2020, EY and JA Respondents hailed from 17 countries across 5 globalization, automation and shifting work norms as
continents and all had received some training in opportunities that will free them to work flexibly and
teamed up to conduct a employment and entrepreneurship skillsets and focus on high-value projects that matter.
quantitative evaluation of mindsets. While not representative of Gen Z in its
entirety, this comprehensive survey endeavored To achieve their career goals, the youth in this study
nearly 6,000 young people, to get at the heart of these ambitious Gen Z are eager to build human connections with people
all active or former JA representatives’ thoughts, feelings and attitudes from other backgrounds and engage stakeholders
toward global trends, and how they believe the outside the education system — such as those
participants, aged 16 to 25, education system can improve. in business and government — as part of their
concerning their experiences educational experiences.
The findings reveal a generation of young people
in education and their who are highly engaged; who feel only somewhat The business community, especially, has a significant
attitudes toward the future. prepared, yet largely optimistic about the future; opportunity to engage in Gen Z’s education, both
who are eager for more hands-on experiential for their benefit and for the benefit of companies,
learning opportunities, especially in topics related who are looking to shape the skills of their future
to global citizenship and the environment; who employees.
feel their education should not be limited to the
classroom and that business should be stepping up As this report concludes, in listening and
to offer new forms of learning. responding to the voices of Gen Z, educators and
the business community can better realize the
distinct roles they can each play to best prepare
this rising generation for the future it is soon
to own.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 5
Gen Z: A generation poised to reframe the future
82% 54% Confidence rankings: Gen Z’ers feel confident in
of Gen Z respondents feel hopeful about of Gen Z respondents feel their
finding meaningful work and addressing global education has successfully prepared 81%-100% 1. Using technology
challenges in 2030 them to succeed in 2030
2. Having the necessary skills to do well on a job
The education system would be improved 3. Knowing which skills employers value
School subject ranking
School subject ranking
The education system would be improved with
with more learning opportunities focused on
61%-80% 4. Ability to get and keep a satisfying job
Respondents conveyed a preference for school subjects more learning opportunities focused on
with a forward-thinking focus 5. Presenting my skills, knowledge and abilities
Real-life work 59%
Environmental literacy 77% 6. School subject focus is preparing me for life after school
Professional mentorship 57% 40%–60% 7. Teaching methods are preparing me for life after school
Career development 77%
Projects 52%
Financial literacy 73%
Research 51%
Global citizenship 70% Top three traits of an ideal career:
Community service 50%
Digital literacy 69% Generate original thought Interact with people from Solve complex
1 and ideas 2 around the world 3 problems
Entrepreneurship 47%
Entrepreneurship 67%
Collaboration 36%
Other subjects 55%
Field trips 35%
Who is responsible for preparing Gen Z for the future?
*Percentages indicate respondents ranking response in their
Student teaching 28%
top three choices.
80%
Lectures 20%
Feelings about automation, globalization and 60%
new work norms *Percentages indicate respondents ranking response in their 60% 53%
top three choices.
1% 1 44% 42%
6% 40%
28%
26%
Very positive 2
15% 35%
Somewhat positive 20%
Overall Neither negative nor positive 3
Somewhat negative 0%
Education Multi-national Government Personal Non-profit Local
Very negative community corporations institutions networks businesses
40% *Percentages indicate respondents ranking response in their top three choices.
Attributes and
Gen Z encompasses the approximately and a 24-hour news cycle. Overall, the
1.3 billion young people in the world7 aged generation faces an unpredictable world
14 to 24 — ranging from those in primary economy, the global strain of climate change
aspirations of an
education, to those actively in the workforce and the rapid-fire technological evolution
and entering the professional workforce. that will accompany the world’s response to
As uncovered in a 2020 EY study, Gen these challenges. This generation will require
entrepreneurial
Z — a generation of contradiction, Gen Z new skills and mindsets, adapted for new
differs in many ways from the generation contexts, and nurtured by their educational
that preceded them. Unlike millennials, experiences.
who grew up during an economic boom,
Gen Z cohort
this generation has been defined by The following 10 key insights together
coming of age during the Great Recession tell a story of an entrepreneurial cohort
with previously unknown levels of digital within Gen Z: who they are, what they want
connectivity, and then redefined by the and how they see themselves. Read on to
global pandemic. discover their key attributes, their learning
preferences, their feelings about the future,
Gen Z has also navigated an increasingly and their ambitions and dreams.
polarized political landscape in a world
World Population Prospects 2019. United Nations
7
saturated by smartphones, social media
Population Division Department of Economic and Social
Affairs. 2020 estimate of ages 14-25.
1
Overwhelmingly
optimistic about 2030
55%
of Gen Z respondents
feel hopeful about finding
meaningful work and
addressing global
challenges in 2025
82%
feel hopeful about finding
meaningful work and
addressing global
challenges in 2030
Overwhelmingly optimistic about 2030
Despite being in the midst These results are surprising and deeply meaningful. may be due to the fact that the average age of
Gen Z’s optimism and intention to shape the future survey respondents was 17; students may feel more
of a global pandemic and are core tenets of this cohort of respondents, one optimistic about a timeframe when they are sure to
concurrent recession, that drives their interest in a learning environment be out of school and have more control over their
and career trajectory that will prepare them for lives. They may feel that, in 10 years’ time, they
Gen Z respondents are the challenges and opportunities unique to the era will be old enough to have the knowledge and skills
incredibly hopeful about ahead. to address global challenges, make their way in the
world of work and even run their own businesses.
finding fulfilling work and Additionally, Gen Z respondents are much more
addressing global challenges hopeful about finding work and addressing global
challenges in 2030 than they are in 2025. This
in the next 10 years.
Gen Z’s sense of
of hope
hope for
forfinding
findingmeaningful
meaningfulwork
workand
andaddressing
addressingglobal
globalchallenges
challenges
% hopeful
in 2030 82%
1 = “Not at all hopeful”
in 2025 5 = “Extremely hopeful” 4 3 2 55%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 9
2Entrepreneurial ambitions
abound, with a yearning
for original thought
*Given JA Worldwide’s emphasis on entrepreneurship
education and that survey respondents were self-selected
JA alumni and students, this response may skew favorably
65%
of Gen Z respondents already
in the workforce expect that,
in 10 years, they will be
running their own business*
toward entrepreneurship.Entrepreneurial ambitions abound, with a yearning for original thought
This Gen Z cohort ranked Overall, 53% of survey respondents hope to be Ranked characteristics of an ideal career
running their own businesses in ten years; this
the opportunity to generate aspiration is more common among those already 1 Generate original thought and ideas
original thought and ideas in the workforce, with 65% of Gen Z workers
2 Interact with people from around the world
stating a desire to own a business in ten years.
as the #1 trait of an ideal
3 Solve complex problems
career. Given their exposure to employment and
entrepreneurship programming, it follows that
the entrepreneurial aspirations of this group 4 Extend compassion and empathy to others
shine through when asked to rank their
ideal career traits. This group said they are 5 Perfect my skills
increasingly seeking out careers that are both
6 Build new technologies
intellectually and socially stimulating, with the
most attractive opportunities being those that 7 Build tangible products
engage them in original thought and involve
daily interaction with a diverse group of people. 8 Collaborate with others
These findings suggest that Gen Z will likely seek
dynamic, challenging and meaningful careers 9 Analyze data
that see them solving community problems by
working collaboratively across borders.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 113
Confident in communication
and collaboration — less sure
about handling challenges
More than
75%
of respondents state they know
how to listen and work with others,
solve problems, participate and
voice their ideas3
Confident in communication and collaboration - less sure about handling challenges
This generation will Gen Z participants report feeling a high level of knowhow
I know howtoto…*
*…
confidence in the 4Cs, with more than 75% of
need to be equipped respondents stating they feel they know how Listen to others 86%
with the mindsets and to listen and work with others, solve problems,
Work with others 82%
participate, voice their ideas and enjoy creative acts.
cognitive flexibility
Solve problems 81%
needed to embrace the Notably, relative to collaborative skills, Gen Z
respondents feel slightly less confident in skills Participate 80%
unknown: communication, related to ideating such as thinking on their feet
collaboration, creativity and and dealing with the unexpected. The areas in Voice my ideas 77%
which they felt least confident are related to
critical thinking — also known resourcefulness and to improving upon what
Enjoy creative acts 77%
as the “4Cs.” exists — suggesting that while they identify as a Solve difficult problems 74%
generation of original thinkers, they may struggle
Ideate solutions 73%
to integrate into the workforce or combine their
ideas in meaningful ways once there. Invent 72%
Deal with unexpected challenges 71%
Be resourceful 69%
Build on others’ ideas 67%
Make routine tasks exciting 56%
*PercentageofofGen
*percentage Gen
ZZ respondents
respondents whowho indicated
indicated theythey
knowknow how
how to
to do
do thethe following
following taskstasks
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 134
High confidence in job
skills and tech abilities despite
mixed perceptions of school
54%
of respondents believe their
education has prepared them
for success in 2030High confidence in tech ability and job skills despite perception school hasn’t prepared them
When it comes to their sense However, respondents are less confident that Confidence rankings:
Confidence rankings: Gen
Gen Z feels
Z feels confident
confident in …in…
formal education is fully aligned to the demands Using technology
of preparedness for the of the future and global citizenship. Notably, 84%
future working world, Gen Z approximately 40% of Gen Z workers surveyed do Having the necessary skills to do well on a job
not believe the subject focus or teaching methods
respondents display a strong in their education will successfully prepare them for
74%
confidence in their ability to life in 2030. Just over half of survey respondents
Knowing which skills employers value
71%
agreed that the education system is preparing
use technology, ranking their them for the future, lending credence to calls for Ability to get and keep a satisfying job
confidence in this area well the system to evolve. Teaching methodologies, 68%
breadth of school subjects and learning tools
above other areas. should be evaluated and reconfigured to ensure
Presenting my skills, knowledge and abilities
65%
that Gen Z will be prepared with the mindsets and School subject focus is preparing me for life after school
skills needed to succeed in the future. 60%
Teaching methods are preparing me for life after school
59%
Myeducation
My educationisispreparing/has
preparing/has prepared
prepared mesucceed
me to to succeed in 2030
in 2030
24% 31% 16% 19% 10%
Stronglyagree
Strongly agree Somewhatagree
Somewhat agree Neutral
Neutral Somewhat
Somewhat Strongly
Strongly
disagree
disagree disagree
disagree
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 155
Once in the workforce,
diminished sense of
preparedness and
increased self-sufficiency
10%
drop in confidence that school
had prepared them once Gen Z
respondents entered the workforce5
Once in the workforce, diminished sense of preparedness and increased self-sufficiency
Compared with currentstudents,
students, Gen Z
Once in the workforce, Some in this cohort discovered they did not Compared
Compared with
respondents
respondents
with current
current students, Gen
who
who have
have entered
entered
Gen Z
the
the
Z
workforce
workforce
understand which job-ready skills employers value. respondents who have entered the workforce
respondents’ confidence in In particular, they report feeling less prepared to feel
feel
feel a diminishedsense
a diminished
diminished senseof
sense ofofconfidence
confidence
confidence in:in:
in:
their level of preparedness think on their feet and solve problems than current Understanding
Understanding which
which tasks
tasks and
and experiences
experiences are
are
students. valued
valued by
by employers
employers
diminishes. 16%
16%
The grittiness students report seems to wane as Confidence
Confidence in in subject
subject focus
focus having
having prepared
prepared them
them
they experience the true demands of workforce, for
for life
life after
after school
school
in comparison to their preliminary expectations. 10%
10%
Once in the workforce, Gen Z respondents also Having
Having the
the necessary
necessary skills
skills to
to do
do well
well on
on a
a job
job
reported a decline in their level of certainty
3%
3%
Ability
Ability to
to get and keep
keep a satisfying job
that their education had prepared them for the get and a satisfying job
working world.
3%
3%
Confidence
Confidence in in teaching
teaching methods
methods prepared
prepared them
them
for
for life
life after
after school
The findings of this survey and other research school
2%
2%
suggest that a greater focus on job-ready skills is
needed. Only 54% of this Gen Z cohort believe the Level ofLevel
confidence increased in onlyintwo
Level of
of confidence
confidence increased
increased in only
only two
two
education system is preparing them for the future competencies for
competenciesworkers compared with
competencies for workers compared with
for workers compared with
of work. Employers feel similarly,8 often finding that their student
their counterparts:
their student
student counterparts:
counterparts:
new employees don’t have the required skill sets in Using
Using technology
technology
both hard and soft skills. 10%
10%
Effectively
Effectively presenting
presenting skills
skills
2%
2%
Wiley Education Services, & Future Workplace. (2019).
8
Closing the skills gap 2019. Louisville, KY: Wiley edu, LLC.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 17How leaders
Already displaying considerable self-direction Survey participants revealed a generation
in their pursuit of learning and their positive that is eager to see — and be part of
disposition toward entrepreneurship, Gen Z driving — more rapid progress toward the
among Gen Z
survey participants not only seek meaning transformational reforms necessary to
and impact from their life’s work — they are tackle the interconnected challenges of
also willing to go their own way to find it. climate change, social justice and equity
see education
of economic opportunity. As well as shaping
This perhaps helps to explain why their interest in starting their own business,
respondents are so optimistic about the these same attitudes are liable to affect their
and the future
future. Rather than seeing the forces of views on potential employers, and on the
globalization, automation and shifting conduct of businesses and governments.
work norms as threats, they see them as
of work
opportunities to forge a new path that frees
them to focus on work that matters to them,
to each other and to the world.6
Extremely positive about
globalization, automation
and new work norms
72%
of Gen Z respondents feel
positive about the impact
globalization automation and
new work norms will have on
their experience in the workforceExtremely positive about globalization, automation and new work norms
Among this sample, Gen Z is considerably more
optimistic about these future trends than previous
generations. Only about 40% of adults over age
30 reported being optimistic about the impact of
automation,9 whereas 74% of Gen Z respondents are
optimistic about its effects. To Gen Z, automation
and AI may be seen as empowering in their potential
to eliminate mundane and routine tasks, allowing
them instead to focus on the things they most enjoy
— solving complex problems, generating new ideas
and working on meaningful endeavors.
Gen Z is also looking for mentoring from
professionals to help prepare for the future,
particularly with regard to shifting work norms.
This study found that
What kindof
ofimpact
impactwill
will megatrends have
on on How willyou
youadapt
adaptto to automation, globalization
respondents believe trends What kind
your experience
experienceininthe
megatrends
theworkforce?
workforce?
have How will
and newwork
and new worknorms?
norms?
automation, globalization
such as the automation % respondents ranking in the top 3
of work, globalization and 100
1% 1% 1%
Seek formal education
68%
shifting work norms will 12%
4%
and training
58%
63%
6%
have a positive impact 80 15% 9% 21%
Seek informal learning 48%
opportunities 41%
on their experiences in 60 40% 34%
Seek mentorship
the workforce. 45% 36% from professionals
29%
48%
40
28%
Advocate for
21%
workplace policies
35%
20 43%
29% 35% 28%
Advocate for 13%
government policies
0 19%
Globalization Automation Shifting
work norms 26%
of work
Start own business 29%
26%
83% 74% 72%
% positive Shift career away 14%
from impacted fields 15%
Verypositive
Very positive Somewhat
Somewhat positivepositive Neither negative
Neither negative
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
nor positive
Somewhat negative Very negative nor positive
Somewhat negative Very negative Automation Globalization ShiftingWork
WorkNorms
Norms
Automation Globalization Shifting
*Percentages indicate respondents ranking response in their
Mulas-Granados, Carlos, et al. “Automation, Skills and the
9
top three choices.
Future of Work: What do Workers Think?” IMF Working
Paper, 20 December 2019.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 207
Education on future-focused
skills more important than
traditional school subjects
77%
of Gen Z respondents rated
environmental literacy and career
development as the most important
subjects in their educationEducation on future-focused skills more important than traditional school subjects
This research revealed that This generation is asking for educators to opportunities in the classroom. Their preferred
incorporate themes they will be faced with as they school subjects emerge to have interdisciplinary
Gen Z leaders of tomorrow enter adulthood — particularly topics related to themes, including financial and entrepreneurial
want more time spent on environmental and economic insecurity. Nearly literacy, environmental literacy and global
three-quarters of Gen Z respondents desire awareness.
subject areas that will better more career development and entrepreneurship
prepare them for their future
careers and roles as global
citizens. School subjectranking
School subject ranking
Environmental literacy 77%
Career development 77%
Financial literacy 73%
Global citizenship 70%
Digital literacy 69%
Entrepreneurship 67%
Other subjects 55%
*Percentages indicate respondents ranking response in their top three choices.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 228
Preference for hybrid
virtual learning as an
enabler of creativity,
flexibility and diversity
75%
of students wish to continue
virtual education in some form
after the pandemicPreference for hybrid virtual learning as an enabler of creativity, flexibility and diversity
At the time of the survey Around 75% of surveyed students stated that, when Ranking: Why I prefer virtual instruction
the pandemic concludes, they wish to continue
(October 2020-January virtual instruction in some form — indicating a 1 More creative
2021), most respondents strong preference for hybrid education.
2 Flexible to fit my lifestyle
were partaking in a form Of those who prefer virtual instruction, one in four
3 Ease of access
of virtual schooling due cite “more creative” and “innovative ways to access
and receive content” as a primary reason.
to the ongoing COVID-19 4 Meet people I wouldn’t normally meet
A Workforce Institute report found that flexibility
pandemic. is a job perk that would drive Gen Z to work harder 5 Ease of communication with instructors
and stay at a company longer; findings in this
survey indicate it may well have the same impact in 6 Build digital literacy skills
their education.10
7 Build community with students
Instructionpreferences
Instruction preferences post-pandemic
post-pandemic
Most virtual,
some in-person
In-person 26% 40% 8% 17% 9% Virtual
All in-person Most in-person, some virtual
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
All
No preference virtual
Maroney, Joyce. “Meet Gen Z - Optimistic and Anxious.”
10
The Workforce Institute at UKG, 23 Sept. 2019.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 249
Eagerness for more true-to-
life work experiences and
self-directed activities
59%
of Gen Z respondents ranked more
learning opportunities focused on
real-life work as the top way to
improve the education systemEagerness for more true-to-life work experiences and self-directed activities
When asked how the education system might be
improved with a variety of teaching methods,
the most popular responses are experiential
opportunities that engage the business community:
“real-life work” and “professional mentorship”. Gen
Z is also excited about learning that involves self-
direction and internal motivation, such as projects,
research, community service and entrepreneurship.
Finally, those options that most closely align with
traditional teaching methodologies of the past and
present — lectures, student teaching and field trips —
ranked lowest, suggesting that Gen Z is eager
for a more innovative and true-to-life approach
to education. This generation isn’t looking to the
education system for their chance to shine — they
want to learn through the real-world experiences that
today’s fluid economy offers.
Gen Z respondents welcome
the opportunity to learn
from professionals and The education system 20%
learn through real-life work would be improved with Lectures
more learning opportunities
experiences, project-based focused on 28% Real-life
learning and community Student work
service. teaching
59%
Field trips
Professional
35% mentorship
57%
36%
Collaboration 47% 52%
50% 51% Projects
Entrepreneurship
Research
*Percentages indicate respondents Community
ranking response in their top
five choices. service
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 2610
Seeking guidance from formal
education, multinationals and
governments
53%
of Gen Z respondents look to
corporations and large businesses
to prepare them for trends such as
automation, globalization and new
work normsSeeking guidance from formal education, multinationals and governments
While 60% of Gen Z In particular, more than 50% of Gen Z respondents this generation craves, the more likely they are to
expressed that they look to corporations and see the value of the skills and experiences these
participants rank the large businesses to prepare them for trends contributors bring to the classroom. Gen Z may
education system the most such as automation, globalization and new work also recognize that large companies are leading the
norms. While this generation is often painted as charge on embracing new technologies and trends,
important institution to being distrustful of big business, the tide may and are well-positioned to educate them on these
prepare them for the future, be turning — the more that corporations partner topics, as well as being able to have a large impact
with educators to provide the hands-on work on environmental sustainability.
they are also looking to
the business community,
government institutions and
Responsibility for
Responsibility forpreparing
preparingGen Z Z
Gen
personal networks to help
% respondents ranking in the top 3
them get ready for work. 60%
60% 53%
1 44% 42%
40%
28% 26%
2
20%
3
0%
Education Multi-national Government Personal NGOs Local
community corporations insitutions networks businesses
*Percentages indicate respondents ranking response in their top three choices.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 28How can
The world is changing. Gen Z will change need for the business community not only to
the world, too. They’re the future workforce, build a deeper understanding of Gen Z, but
business owners and global problem-solvers. also to build deeper relationships with them
business and
To connect with them effectively, the and take a more active role in their education.
education and business communities must
understand who they are and how they At the same time, government has a huge
education help
intend to shape the world around them. role to play. Education policies and national
curricula should emphasize development
The responsibility of preparing Gen Z for of transversal human competencies over
Gen Z reframe
the future of work rests on a variety of proficiency in individual subjects, and grant
institutions, not just the education system. educators greater license to innovate within
The findings of this survey underscore the that framework.
the future?Education
Given that employers typically find the skill sets of
incoming employees lacking,12 education curricula
and teaching methods should be reconsidered
to make them more in line with both Gen Z’s and
employers’ desires for experiential and vocational
learning opportunities. Gen Z is looking for their
formal education to include future trends, such as
environmental literacy.
They also want access to workplace learning and
mentoring from professionals. Currently, teachers
endeavor to extend the classroom well beyond the
four walls of the class and introduce students to a
variety of settings and experiences. Based on this Gen
Z cohort’s feedback, this extension of the classroom
could be strengthened by broadening educational
experiences to include more work-based learning,
and by broadening subject focus to include topics like
To better prepare Gen Z for Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, global citizenship, environmental literacy, and other
allowing significant leeway for creativity and future-focused subjects.
the future of work and for experimentation — an evolutionary undertaking that
global challenges, educators should include Gen Z and their preferences in the Connect with the community
process.
have plenty of opportunities To embed entrepreneurial mindsets and
interdisciplinary themes into learning experiences
to innovate — especially Disruption in traditional schooling has given us a
for students, educators should look outside school
window into the possibility of reimagining learning
in ways that enable experiences, and how technology can enable that. to identify new types of learning partners in their
communities, including nonprofits and business
experiential learning both Paired with Gen Z’s input on what should be included
leaders.
in their education — including a strong preference for
in and out of the classroom. experiential learning over passive learning — the call As young people are clearly eager to see the real-
to action is clear. world application of their studies, it’s important to
Reimagine educational delivery recognize that business professionals and nonprofits
can be teachers, too, sharing valuable perspectives
Having experienced virtual education first-hand, Gen and role modeling behaviors that help contextualize
Z expect and prefer a hybrid/in-person model,11 students’ learning. Nonprofit organizations can also
with a leaning to in-person delivery. It would be uniquely support students both inside and outside of
a disservice to the next generation if we fail to school, acting as a bridge to business.
consider how some of the positive aspects of the
shift to virtual education can be carried forward once For educators wanting to capture Gen Z’s
the pandemic has concluded. Now is the time for entrepreneurial spirit, practical experiences such as
educators to re-imagine how blended time can be developing a business idea or carrying out a social
used and how technology can enable learning both impact project can harness and amplify that spirit.
“How the next generation will shape the next normal.”
11
EY, 28 January 2021.
inside and outside the classroom.
“Wiley Education Services, & Future Workplace. (2019).
12
Closing the skills gap 2019. Louisville, KY: Wiley edu, LLC.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 30Business
With the eldest members Not only will collaborating with educators and To attract Gen Z talent, leaders will need to
working with students earlier on give businesses authentically commit to sustainability and equality
of Gen Z now entering the a window into this generation, it may also support goals, making them core to corporate purpose and
professional workforce, recruitment and growth efforts while better strategy, and foster trust by communicating targets,
equipping the next generation with the skills needed actions and progress that are backed by data and
understanding their for jobs of the future. science. Underscoring the importance of business
mindsets and motivations being forward-thinking, an EY-led September 2020
Provide opportunities for work-based learning study with 35 Gen Z participants found that they
will better help employers overwhelmingly call for companies to address
Business must help Gen Z acquire the future skills
understand how to attract, required to benefit both business and society at- inequality and climate change, and for leaders to act
with empathy.13
cultivate and retain their large. Gen Z is asking for businesses to step up and
provide more opportunities for work — and project-
rising employees. based learning, as well as mentorship from business Given how quickly roles are changing, employers
professionals. These and other opportunities for need new recruiting approaches based on skills and
earlier engagement with young people — including aptitude rather than on resumes and experience. To
internships and job shadow opportunities — can also retain Gen Z employees, businesses will need to offer
help companies to win the trust and loyalty of the dynamic and engaging career pathways, innovative
emerging talent pool. and collaborative forms of working, and opportunities
for continued learning and development. Leaders
Fulfill the promise of purposeful work should also be rethinking their business and
operating models to enable a global remote
For this generation — both as consumers and as
workforce, and ensure equal opportunity for learning
employees — empathic leadership and an authentic
and development.
commitment to all stakeholders will be key.
“How the next generation will shape the new normal.”
13
EY, 28 January 2021.
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 31Conclusions
This research conveys a generation optimistic The global community — businesses large and
about the future, as represented by a cohort small, policymakers, Non-profits, and beyond
who have already benefited from some — all bear a responsibility to authentically
training in entrepreneurship and future- engage in formal education. Opportunities
focused skills. While this cohort’s focus on for innovation abound, and the first step is to
creativity, diversity, and authentic work may listen and respond to the voices of Gen Z.
reflect a stronger sentiment than the entirety
of Gen Z, their entrepreneurial mindsets By driving for collaborative change in how
underscore the utility and importance the global community engages the next
of an education that includes topics and generation, we can shape the lives of millions
experiences relevant to the working worlds of Gen Z youth in meaningful ways. In doing
of today and tomorrow. so, we will support them in building lifelong
educational journeys — creating a ripple effect
This cohort’s middling sense of preparedness of impactful change across communities and
for the future indicates that more could be institutions — and ultimately allowing this
done to equip them with the confidence, skills rising generation to reframe a future that is
and knowledge needed for future success. brighter, fairer and better.Methodology
Participating countries Due to variances in survey participation by region, UN population estimates for the size of the Gen Z
• Brazil the initial survey sample was heavily skewed toward population (ages 16-24) in each country. All figures
respondents living in the Asia-Pacific region. To and visualizations in this report show the weighted
• El Salvador
account for this geographic skew and to enable survey data. Adopting this weighting process did
• Estonia statements about global trends, we weighted not differ drastically from analysis of unweighted
• France respondents in countries with more than 30 raw raw survey responses. Additional analysis involved
respondents in accordance with the percentage of grouping countries based on development (for
• Guatemala Gen Z in their country relative total population of example, the strength of education system, GDP per
• India Gen Z in the 17 countries in the sample, using UN capita, strength of digital connectivity) while also
population size estimates (ages 15-24). excluding overrepresented countries. This ancillary
• Indonesia analysis confirmed the results of weighted survey
• Malaysia Weights were chosen such that all countries had analysis outlined above.
the same number of weighted responses per
• Mauritius capita as the country with the lowest number of
• Mexico raw responses per capita. In this process, we used
Thank you to the following contributors to this report:
• Nigeria
EY JA Worldwide
• Philippines
Anne Sawyer Brandie Conforti
• Romania Melissa Riepe Caroline Jenner
• Spain Tyler Karahalios Lorrie Noggle
Andrew Yin Tere Stouffer
• Tunisia Dan Gray
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America
Gen Z is poised to reframe the future, but are business and education ready? 33EY | Building a better working world EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young
Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited
EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal
data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via
value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.
ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information
about our organization, please visit ey.com.
Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries
provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform This Gen Z was survey was conducted by the EY Ripples team in collaboration with JA Worldwide.
and operate.
EY Ripples is a global corporate responsibility program which sets forth a vision to positively impact one
billion lives by 2030. Through EY Ripples, every individual and organization in the EY network can create
Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, a positive impact by supporting the next generation workforce, working with impact entrepreneurs, and
EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues accelerating environmental sustainability.
facing our world today.
© 2021 EYGM Limited.
All Rights Reserved.
EYG no. 002968-21Gbl
ED None
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JA Worldwide
As one of the world’s largest youth-serving Non-profits, JA Worldwide prepares young people
for employment and entrepreneurship, delivering hands on, experiential learning in work
readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Reaching more than 10 million young
people last year, JA is one of few organizations with the scale, experience, and passion to
build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, makers, and
managers.
Building skill sets and changing mindsets. JA prepares young people for the future of work.
Contacts
EY
Anne Sawyer
anne.sawyer@parthenon.ey.com
Junior Achievement
Tere Stouffer
tere.stouffer@jaworldwide.orgYou can also read
