Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, already makes up 27% of the global workforce and includes over 68 million individuals in the U.S. alone.
This generation is not only digitally native but also values-driven, with 75% expecting companies to take a stand on social or environmental issues.
Their preferences around work, technology, mental health, and consumption are reshaping every industry they touch.
What Are the Most Important Gen Z Statistics?
Here are some of the most striking stats about Gen Z:
- Gen Z already makes up 27% of the global workforce.
- In the U.S., there are an estimated 68.6 million Gen Z individuals.
- About 30% of Gen Z are actively searching for new career opportunities.
- 70% believe that mental health resources should be available at work.
- 83% prefer hybrid or remote working environments.
- A remarkable 91% say that mental health support should be a workplace standard.
- Nearly 75% expect brands and companies to actively support social or environmental causes.
How Is Gen Z Shaping the Modern Workforce?
The workplace is evolving under Gen Z’s influence. Beyond just representing a growing portion of employees, Gen Z is redefining what people expect from their employers. For instance, 62% say they would choose flexibility over a higher salary. Meanwhile, 81% emphasize the importance of purpose-driven work.
Top 5 workplace priorities for Gen Z:
- Flexibility in work schedules and location
- Purpose-driven work culture
- Mental health support
- Alignment with company values
- Opportunities for skill development
Burnout is another major concern, with 43% of Gen Z workers citing it as a primary issue. 48% say they’d leave a job if it conflicted with their personal values, and 85% research a company’s values before even applying.
But the challenges run deeper: As of mid-2025, Gen Z faces the highest unemployment rate among recent graduates in nearly four decades. Roughly 13.4% of all unemployed Americans are young workers entering the job market for the first time.
Interestingly, Gen Z is also stepping back from traditional leadership roles. They are 1.7× more likely to avoid managerial responsibilities compared to older generations, often citing a need to protect their mental health and maintain work-life balance.
How Does Gen Z Use Digital Technology?
Gen Z is the first fully digital generation. An overwhelming 95% own a smartphone. 58% prefer short-form videos, and 68% turn to TikTok for entertainment and information.
Most-used digital platforms among Gen Z:
- TikTok (68%)
- YouTube (36%) for skill-building
- ChatGPT / AI tools (33%) for travel planning
- Snapchat
About 90% use multiple devices simultaneously. 80% discover new brands via social media. Notably, 52% of Gen Z use TikTok for travel inspiration, and 33% use AI tools like ChatGPT to help plan those trips.
What Are Gen Z’s Consumer Preferences?
Gen Z is a values-driven consumer base. 69% stay loyal to brands aligned with their beliefs. 64% feel emotionally connected to brands that engage in social causes. 78% expect personalized shopping experiences.
They trust influencers over celebrities, and 46% say online reviews are key in purchase decisions. Additionally, 50% have made purchases based directly on social media ads.
Interestingly, 40% are questioning the value of traditional degrees and considering alternative education paths.
How Does Gen Z Prioritize Mental Health?
Mental health is central to Gen Z’s identity and workplace expectations. 91% believe companies should provide support. 67% have used mental health apps. 60% feel more productive when working remotely, and 66% feel anxious about long-term finances.
Mental Health & Financial Stability among Gen Z
| Indicator | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Diagnosed with a mental health condition | 46% |
| Taking prescription medication | 34% |
| Prefer remote work for productivity | 60% |
| Anxious about long-term finances | 66% |
| Living paycheck to paycheck | 74% |
| Fear of being laid off | 58% |
What Are Gen Z’s Core Identity Traits and Concerns?
In the U.S., 22.3% of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+, reflecting the generation’s inclusiveness and openness to diverse identities.
Top concerns among Gen Z include:
Top Concerns Among Gen Z (2025)
| Concern | % Most Worried |
|---|---|
| Cost of living | 34% |
| Climate change | 20% |
| Mental health | 19% |
| Crime/safety | 17% |
FAQ About Gen Z
What years are Gen Z born?
Gen Z includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012.
What makes Gen Z different from Millennials?
Gen Z grew up fully immersed in digital technology and social media, making them more tech-savvy, socially aware, and mental health–focused.
What does Gen Z want from employers?
They prioritize mental health support, flexibility, purpose-driven work, and alignment with personal values.
How does Gen Z shop?
They rely on social media, influencer recommendations, online reviews, and personalized experiences.
Is Gen Z interested in traditional education?
Many still pursue degrees, but a growing number question the value of traditional education and turn to skills-based alternatives.
Is 75% of Gen Z single?
Yes, around three-quarters of Gen Z identify as single, reflecting changing attitudes toward dating, marriage, and relationships.
What is Gen Z’s biggest issue?
The top concern for Gen Z is the rising cost of living, followed by mental health challenges, climate change, and job insecurity.
What are some facts about Gen Z people?
Gen Z makes up about 69 million people in the U.S., are digital natives, highly engaged in activism, more open about mental health, and more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than older generations.
Is Gen Z mostly left?
Gen Z leans left politically, supporting progressive social issues, though in recent years some views have shifted slightly to the center.
Can Gen Z live to 100?
While no guarantees exist, medical advances and healthier lifestyles mean many in Gen Z could realistically reach 100.
Why is Gen Z the unhappiest generation?
They face financial stress, student debt, job insecurity, and the mental health toll of social media and global uncertainty, leaving only about 1 in 5 feeling “very happy.”
What are Gen Z weaknesses?
They often struggle with anxiety, social connection, and heavy reliance on digital life, which can hinder relationships and focus.
Why are Gen Z so rich?
Gen Z is projected to become the wealthiest generation due to rising wages and inheritance transfers, though many still feel financial pressure today.
What is Gen Z most famous for?
They are best known for being tech-savvy digital natives, redefining culture through social media, and pushing for social and climate justice.
What percent of Gen Z is LGBTQ?
About 23–30% of Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ+, far higher than any previous generation.
Do most Gen Z live at home?
Many Gen Z remain with parents longer due to high housing costs and delayed financial independence, especially in major cities.
What is Gen Z lacking?
They often lack stability—emotional, financial, and professional—struggling to balance wellbeing with career and life goals.
Do Gen Z sleep more?
Some reports suggest Gen Z sleeps slightly longer than older groups, but many still face rising sleep problems due to stress and screen time.
Why are bosses firing Gen Z?
There’s no widespread firing trend, but Gen Z faces higher unemployment and stricter job markets, making entry into the workforce more difficult.
What is Gen Z’s biggest problem?
Mental health, financial strain, and the cost of living are the biggest barriers to stability and happiness for this generation.
What is Gen Z best at?
They excel in tech adoption, financial awareness, activism, and creative self-expression, often driving cultural and digital trends.
Who does Gen Z trust the most?
They tend to trust authentic voices—friends, peers, influencers, and brands that demonstrate transparency and social responsibility.
Why does Gen Z struggle so much?
They grew up during economic instability, a pandemic, climate fears, and social media pressure, which together fuel high stress and uncertainty.
What does Gen Z love the most?
They value social media, creative hobbies, music, and authentic experiences—often preferring passion and purpose over traditional status.
Why is Gen Z the strongest generation?
Despite challenges, they are resilient, adaptable, socially aware, and financially more informed than previous generations at their age.
Conclusion
Gen Z is not just another generation. Their preferences around work, consumption, and digital interaction are redefining how organizations operate. With over a quarter of the workforce now belonging to Gen Z and tens of millions influencing trends, brands and institutions need to evolve quickly to stay relevant. From prioritizing mental health and remote work to valuing authenticity and social justice, Gen Z sets new standards for the future.
Sources
- Exploding Topics – Gen Z Statistics
- Nivati – How to Measure the ROI of Your Mental Health Program
- Qureos – Gen Z Statistics for Hiring
- U.S. Census – Census QuickFacts
- Gartner – Worldwide Public Cloud Spending Forecast
- BetterCloud – State of SaaSOps Report
- NYPost – How Americans Use ChatGPT to Plan Vacations
- LifeWire – You’re Addicted to More Than One Screen
- Axios – Gen Z is Facing a Job Market Double-Whammy
- Business Insider – Gen Z’s ‘Conscious Unbossing’
- Harmony Hit – State of Gen Z Mental Health
- CTAM – The State of Gen Z
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