Less than half of young workers feel comfortable working alongside Generative AI

Press release downloads:
 

• English version
• Dutch version
• French version

Less than half of young workers feel comfortable working alongside GenAI

The survey shows that both Gen Z and millennials in Belgium have mixed feelings about Generative AI, oscillating between uncertainty and fascination. While 27% of Gen Z report having a good understanding of GenAI, only 18% of millennials claim the same. This relatively low c is reflected in the limited usage of GenAI, with 50% of Gen Z and 47% of millennials stating that they rarely or never use it at work. Interestingly, the survey shows that frequent GenAI users have a more positive attitude towards the technology. 69% of Gen Z and 57% of millennials who frequently use GenAI believe it will free up time and improve their work-life balance, compared to only 45% of Gen Z and 19% of millennials who have never used it.

Employers have started to invest in GenAI training, with half of both generations reporting that they have already undergone training or plan to within the next year. However, there remains a gap between expectations and reality, as only 54% of Gen Z and 39% of millennials feel their employers are sufficiently training them on the capabilities and benefits of GenAI. Additionally, only 49% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials currently feel comfortable working alongside GenAI systems and tools, revealing a clear expectation gap that employers need to address to fully onboard their workforce.

Two out of three younger workers find purpose in their job

A significant majority of younger workers in Belgium are finding purpose in their roles, with 75% of Gen Z and 73% of millennials stating that their current jobs provide them with a sense of purpose. This sense of purpose goes hand-in-hand with career development opportunities, which remain central to job satisfaction for both generations. 68% of Gen Z and 59% of millennials report being satisfied with their opportunities to learn, develop new skills, and receive mentorship. For Gen Z, continuous learning is particularly important as part of their professional journey, while millennials are more focused on structured career paths that offer clear long-term growth. Considering the upcoming impact of the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the related greater pay disclosure that it willprovide to job seekers, the importance of other drivers going beyond pay, such as purpose as well as career & learning development opportunities, will only increase.

One in three respondents says their employer does not take their mental health seriously
 

The survey reveals that stress levels among younger generations remain high, with 44% of Gen Z and 59% of millennials reporting that they feel anxious or stressed most of the time. While external factors contribute to this anxiety, work remains a constant source of stress, as nearly 1 in 3 of both generations report that their job directly contributes to their anxiety, driven by a lack of support from leadership, long working hours and not having enough time to complete tasks.

Leadership plays a crucial role in addressing these concerns, yet 34% of Gen Z and 30% of millennials feel that their employer does not take their mental health seriously. Furthermore, 30% of Gen Z and 32% of millennials do not feel comfortable discussing their mental health at work, and a significant proportion believe that their managers are ill-equipped to handle employees' stress or anxiety. Senior leaders also have a critical role to play in destigmatizing mental health, but around 30% of both generations say their leaders rarely prioritise mental health or share their own experiences, contributing to a lack of open dialogue in the workplace.
 

Diversity and Inclusion as a primary reason to leave a job
 

The survey reveals that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are no longer just preferences but decisive factors for Gen Z employees in Belgium. For the first time, a lack of DEI has emerged as a primary reason why young workers leave their jobs. Gen Z respondents are looking for employers who actively foster inclusive environments and provide visible role models with whom they can identify.Organisations that fail to meet these expectations face the risk of losing talent, as nearly 50% of Gen Z and 43% of millennials have already declined job offers based on ethical concerns.

Nathalie Vandaele, Human Capital Leader at Deloitte Belgium, highlights the opportunities for employers: "Gen Z and millennials are making conscious decisions to work for employers that align with their personal and professional values. Organisations that prioritize mental health, diversity, and career development will succeed in attracting and retaining young talent. They should focus on making work better for humans and humans better for work, fostering human sustainability in the workplace."

About the Survey

The 2024 Deloitte Gen Z & Millennial Survey collected data from 22,800 respondents across 44 countries, including 500 participants from Belgium. Fieldwork was conducted between November 2023 and March 2024, with a focus on exploring the attitudes of Gen Z (born 1995-2004) and millennials (born 1983-1994) toward work, mental health, and societal change.