What to expect from Gen Z in 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that Gen Zers will continue to shape the cultural, social, and economic landscape with their unwavering commitment to whatever they decide on.
FATIHAH PIRDAUS09 Jan 2025 02:00pm
Many Gen Zers are fixated on finding meaningful work that aligns with their values. Pexels
Honestly, where’s the surprise in that?
Their generation is all about embracing social media as a platform for authentic self-expression, fearlessly sharing their personal journeys throughout 2024 — a year that may prove to be one of the most eventful in history.
Our question is this: What can we expect from them in 2025?
Societal norms? Never heard of her
For Zoomers, authenticity is more valuable than money. They challenge societal norms around identity, gender, and sexuality, advocating for personal freedom in how they express who they are.
A US-based research report surveying 5,000 participants from China, Germany, Japan, Mexico and the United States in 2022 observed that 88 per cent of global Gen Zers think it is either very or extremely important to be authentic and true to themselves.
They are not afraid to question past norms and reject conformity in their demand for representation across all aspects of their lives — media, politics, and workplaces.
And for them to change this very aspect which forms the foundation of their whole generation? It’s not going to happen, so it is expected that we will continue to see their shout outs for diversity and inclusion in 2025.
It’s their world, we’re just living in it
Growing up in a connected world, Gen Zers are socially and politically aware of global issues as they themselves serve as a catalyst for change, using social media to share real-time insights about the world around them.
Their active engagement ensures that important events and issues like climate change, racial equality, and mental health awareness are brought to light, influencing conversations and shaping public awareness.
A 2024 survey by the United Way of the National Capital Area notes that nearly one-third of Gen Zers (32 per cent) are regularly engaged in activism or social justice work (compared to 24 per cent of millennials), and more than half of them have participated in rallies or protests to support specific causes or social issues.
It’s them against the world, and there is no sign of these waves stopping in 2025.
Jobs: Perfectly balanced, as all things should be
Gen Z is expected to account for 27% of the workforce by 2025, according to Deloitte, but the stereotypes of Gen Zers in the workplace are that they are “lazy, money-obsessed, laptops closed at 5pm”.
Will these stereotypes ever make a dent in the Gen Zers career aspirations going into 2025? The answer could be an absolute no.
Many in this generation are fixated on finding meaningful work that aligns with their values. They seek jobs and workplaces that prioritise their lifestyle, work-life balance and opportunities for growth.
If their current job is not able to fulfil these aspirations, they are not afraid to quit and look for other opportunities.
It’s “go big or go home” for them as they generate the highest job movement (over 134 per cent higher in 2022 compared to 2019, says LinkedIn).
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that Gen Zers will continue to shape the cultural, social, and economic landscape with their unwavering commitment to whatever they decide on.
With their unique perspective and digital fluency, they are poised to drive conversations around equality, mental health, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that their impact resonates far beyond social media.
As they navigate the complexities of adulthood, one thing is certain: Gen Z is not just a generation to watch; they are the type to take action and leave their mark in this world.
