‘Future of work isn’t one-size-fits-all’: Millennials, Gen Z seek purpose beyond work, GI Group report reveals

NEW DELHI: 61% millennials and 39% Gen Z seek purpose beyond work, the GI Group Holding’s latest report, “The Multigenerational Edge: Shaping Tomorrow’s Workplace”, stated. The report also found that 94% conventionalists and 78% Gen Z value their work highly. The findings revealed that the "future of work isn’t one-size-fits-all".

In an increasingly age-diverse corporate India, the report highlights key emerging trends and a shift in preferences in the workplace.

“The report reveals that work holds significant value for Conventionalists (94%) and Gen X (78%), whereas Millennials (61%) and Gen Z (39%) prioritize purpose beyond their jobs. This generational shift underscores the evolving expectations from the workplace, with younger employees seeking meaning, flexibility, and alignment with personal values,” the report read.

Around 80% of Gen Z and 72% of Millennials prefer a hybrid work model, whereas 61% of Gen Z and 53% of millennials said they would opt for fully remote work if given the choice. Over 50% of the Gen Z prioritize efficiency over long working hours and 65% of millennials seek freedom to manage their schedules. “These preferences signal a shift away from rigid office structures, pushing organizations to adapt policies to attract and retain top talent,” the report said.

The report highlights that only 31% of employees establish clear work-life boundaries, with the highest of 47% of Millennials maintaining their work-life the best. While GenZ and Gen X struggle the most in managing professional and personal life.

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A shift in workplace preferences

When it comes to rewards at the workplace, 66% of employees value them, particularly the older generations “considering recognition as validation of hard work”. “Whereas only 52% of Millennials and Gen Z prioritize it, favoring intrinsic rewards and career growth,” it said.

Generational preferences also differ in terms of workplace priorities, particularly in recognition and rewards. While 66% of employees value them, older generations see recognition as validation of hard work (85% of Gen X, 77% of Conventionalists), whereas only 52% of Millennials and Gen Z prioritize it, favoring intrinsic rewards and career growth.

Conventionalists and Gen X also emphasize job stability and purpose-driven work, while younger generations prioritize work-life balance (70% of Gen Z, 67% of Millennials), continuous learning, and a positive workplace culture.

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With the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence in industry, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen X are quick to adopt tools like Generative AI and task management apps, whereas Conventionalists remain “more hesitant”.

“Communication preferences also vary, 94% of Conventionalists and 88% of Gen X prefer face-to-face meetings, while 43% of Millennials and 23% of Gen Z favor video conferencing,” it said, adding that “78% of Gen Z and 73% of Millennials report struggling with formal communication styles, whereas 60% of Conventionalists find informal communication challenging”.

“The findings make it clear: the future of work isn’t one-size-fits-all," Gi Group Holding, in India since last two decades and one of the leading companies providing services for the evolution of the Labor Market, said.

"Companies that embrace flexibility, foster leadership accessibility, and adopt a multigenerational approach will be best positioned to lead in an evolving corporate landscape," it said, adding that the companies should celebrate diversity in work styles to unlock the full potential of their workforce.