The new Italian generations, specifically Generation Z and Millennials, were the subject of the Deloitte 2024 global research “GenZ and Millennial Survey”. The report offers an in-depth analysis of the perceptions and expectations of young people globally, were involved over 14 thousand GenZ and more than 8 thousand Millennials in 44 countries. For the first time, research has explored the theme of Generative AIrevealing that despite its limited use in the workplace context, young people see great potential in the development and use of this technology. When asked what emotions Generative AI arouses in them, 29% of GenZ express “uncertainty”, 28% “fascination” and 22% “excitement”. The opinion of Millennials is more lukewarm, with 33% declaring themselves “uncertain”, 21% “fascinated” and 17% “confused”. Still little used at work – 16% of GenZ and 11% of Millennials say they often use it –, GenAI is perceived differently between those who use it a lot and those who are not very familiar with it with this news. Interviewed on the potential applications of GenAI, according to 47% of GenZ and 39% of Millennials this innovation can help “free up time and improve work-life balance” – a belief that reaches 73% of Gen Z and 78 % of Millennials who use it frequently. Furthermore, GenAI could help “free up time that can be used for more creative and strategic work”: 47% of GenZ (78% of frequent users) and 40% of Millennials (71% of those who use it) think so. use often).
«Young Italians continue to prove themselves more sensitive than the global average to economic concerns and the urgency of the climate challenge
», comments Fabio Pompei, CEO of Deloitte Italia. «Many of those interviewed say they are willing to change consumption habits and declare that they choose products and services based on their environmental impact. Companies must tune in to this new sensitivity, which has consolidated year after year and shows us the depth of the cultural change that has occurred on the topic of environmental and social sustainability. The perception of Generative AI is also very interesting: from the survey a gap emerges between those who use it the most – and are aware of its exceptional potential – and those who, however, still feel “confused” or “uncertain”
».
In addition to the advantages, some fears also emerge: 46% GenZ and 41% Millennials think that GenAI could “require professional retraining and impact career decisions,” while 55% of GenZ and 52% of Millennials think GenAI could “cause theelimination of jobs”. Furthermore, less than half of young people – 43% of GenZ and 34% of Millennials – think their employer is adequately training them on the potential, benefits and value of GenAI.
“The entry of GenZ and Millennials into the world of work has brought with it great changes regarding the internal culture and organization of companies“, explains Paolo Galletti, Chief Human Resources Officer and People and Purpose Leader at Deloitte. “Among the evidence from the latest edition of our survey is the consolidation of some trends that have already emerged in the latest editions: for GenZ and Millennials, work-life balance, mental health and the possibility of working remotely are now considered priorities when choosing an employer. Great importance is also attributed to the “purpose”, that is, the set of values that characterize the company of which one is part and which give the professional “a meaning” that goes beyond economic remuneration. For young people, “purpose” has a much more significant value and role than what was attributed by previous generations“.
Italian respondents, and in particular Millennials, appear to be less optimistic about the economic and social situation compared to last year: only 16% of GenZ and 11% of Millennials expect an improvement in the general economic situation. In continuity with last year, the number one concern for both GenZ and Millennials is the cost of living (35% GenZ and 43% Millennials). The challenge of climate change (33% GenZ and 32% Millennials) and that of unemployment (21% GenZ and 20% Millennials) also remain a priority. But if young Italians, in general, are less optimistic than the global average regarding the economic and social scenario, on the environment, however, they are particularly confident about the possibility of making a difference and influencing the rest of society: 62% of GenZ and 53% of Millennials believe they have a moderate or significant influence on the environment. Even on mental health (60% GenZ; 49% Millennials) and the ethical use of technology (52% GenZ; 45% Millennials), young people feel ready to lead change.
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