Gen Z, Millennial workers reveal biggest job fear: Very grim for us white collar employees

They’re young, they’re tech-savvy, and they’re not here to play by the old rules — but there’s one thing that scares them out of their wits.A new survey from Deloitte has revealed what’s really driving Gen Z and millennial workers in Australia – and it’s not just job titles or paychecks.Instead, these generations are demanding purpose, flexibility and mental wellbeing from their employers.

And if they don’t get it? They’ll walk.With Gen Zs and millennials expected to make up 74 percent of the global workforce by 2030, their expectations are setting the tone for the future of the workplace.Chasing purpose, not promotionsForget the corner office.What young Aussies really want is a job that means something.According to Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, a massive 94 per cent of Gen Zs and 92 per cent of Millennials say meaningful work is a top priority.

And they’re putting their money where their mouths are – 40 per cent of Gen Zs and 39 per cent of millennials say they have rejected a potential employer based on their personal ethics or beliefs.Pip Dexter, Deloitte Australia’s Chief People and Purpose Officer, said the days of sticking around for a steady pay packet are over.“The centrality of purpose to job satisfaction is a driving force behind the career aspirations of these two generations,” she said.“For them, career satisfaction hinges not just on salary, but on a job’s ability to offer growth opportunities while aligning with their values.In this we see a greater expectation on employers to offer growth opportunities and meaningful work.”The AI edge – and anxietyUnsurprisingly, tech is front and centre in this generational shift.

Gen Zs and millennials are already embracing tools like ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms in their everyday work.And for many, it’s paying off – they say AI is helping them save time and improve the quality of their work.But there’s a catch: most haven’t received any...