2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey
The India market report of Deloitte’s global survey shows Gen Zs and millennials scaling up AI adoption, upholding what they believe in, and redefining their career progression. It also shows increased financial strain.
Progress on their own terms
Gen Z and millennials want to build durable foundations before making life-defining moves. They are seeking stability before committing to major decisions. And their ambition is tempered by a demand for a sustainable workload, clear support, and achievable pathways to success. They are choosing what is sustainable, not performative, and aligning life choices with realistic conditions rather than traditional timelines.
"Organisations should centre their Talent strategies around a cohort specific total rewards philosophy. As far as technically feasible, aim towards a micro demographic-based tailoring of the employee experience."
- Deepti Sagar, Chief People and Experience Officer, Deloitte India
Respondents in India are more confident using AI at work
93% of Gen Zs and 95% of millennials in India use AI in their day-to-day work. Over 90% of both cohorts say that AI positively impacts their professional and personal life. The most popular avenue to use AI for growth and well-being is learning and development opportunities. Close behind are interesting choices: career advice and coping with work-related stress. A majority report that employer-provided AI tools are sufficient, with higher satisfaction among millennials.
Purpose and voice at work are strongly valued
99% of Gen Zs and 98% of millennials in India say having a sense of purpose is important for their job satisfaction. Indian cohorts are far likelier to feel that their current job aligns with their beliefs and values and that their current job allows them to make a meaningful contribution to society. Most also report that their organisations seek their inputs and incorporates their feedback. Interestingly, around half of the Indian cohort say they have rejected an assignment/project due to personal beliefs. 48% Gen Zs and 41% Millennials in India have also rejected potential employers for the same reason.
Leadership ambitions are conditional as many consider the tradeoffs
96% of Gen Zs and 93% of millennials are interested in senior leadership roles, and 89% and 87% respectively in pursuing supervisory or management roles. However, but only 9% and 8% respectively, identify it as their primary goal.
Maintaining a good work-life balance and achieving financial independence remain top priorities. These are also amongst the top factors that would change the minds of those not currently interested.
Globally, the trends is firmly in favour of a steady progression-based job over a fast-paced one. In India however, this is a mixed bad, showing the diversity of ambitions within these cohorts too.
Financial pressure less acute than global counterparts, but still influencing decisions
54% of Gen Zs and 44% of millennials in India say they have delayed major life decisions due to their financial situation. Over 60% of Gen Zs and Millennials in India say that housing affordability impacts career decisions. This figure approaches almost three-fourths amongst global Gen Zs. 20% Gen Zs and 13% Millennials in India struggle to pay living expenses each month. Globally, this is 34% for both cohorts.
