Gen Z is an enigma to most employers. Bosses are each pissed off and pleasantly stunned by the younger technology’s newfound expectations, typically battling tips on how to interact them. But one firm is taking issues into its personal arms by asking its intern class what they actually need out of the office.
KPMG, a tax and advisory agency, performed a survey in August of round 400 interns. It discovered that when it got here to the issues that this cohort is on the lookout for of their skilled lives, high quality firm tradition topped the record at 64%. That was adopted by a way of belonging achieved by constructive staff dynamics at 37%, volunteering alternatives at 34%, and direct supervisor mentorship at 32%.
“Culture has really become the forefront of what Gen Z is looking for in their organization,” Derek Thomas, nationwide partner-in-charge of college expertise acquisition at KPMG, tells Fortune. “Younger generations are looking for their organization’s purpose, and, ‘What is my purpose?’ They like to be part of an organization that allows them to get out there and volunteer and make a difference.”
These Gen Z interns additionally deeply worth the flexibility to work remotely. Half of them discover flexible work environments probably the most interesting amongst office developments, with 23% rating four-day workweeks as probably the most engaging. KPMG is at present hybrid, with some staff allowed to work a condensed schedule based mostly on their life circumstances.
But the report goes a little bit bit deeper than simply workplace preferences—interns shared their fears as nicely. About 82% of the cohort expressed concern that AI may hinder or totally eradicate the development of their foundational expertise that are necessary to attaining their long-term profession aspirations. And one other 75% consider that the superior know-how may automate a minimum of 20% of job duties by the point they begin a full-time position.
“It’s primarily because it’s brand new and it’s uncertain. People aren’t sure, and that puts concern and potentially fear into a lot of folks,” says Thomas. “We’re learning a lot about it as we go. Some of those concerns will start to digress, because they’ll be able to see more and more of it in action.”
But regardless of their robotic hesitations, the cohort was total very upbeat about their careers. Around 97% of KPMG interns have been optimistic about their job or profession prospects over the subsequent 10 years, with 61% saying that they’re “very optimistic.”
Emma Burleigh
[email protected]
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