Key facts
- Gen Z adults report high rates of anxiety and depression, with over half lacking meaning or purpose.
- A significant majority of Gen Z (79%) desire careers focused on helping others or making a positive difference.
- Despite aspirations for helping professions, financial security and work-life balance are prioritized by Gen Z.
- Gen Z represents a small fraction of the current government workforce.
- Effective strategies to attract Gen Z to public service include transparency, competitive benefits, and highlighting social impact.
Gen Z adults are experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression, with many reporting a lack of meaning or purpose in their lives. However, a significant majority of this generation desires careers focused on helping others and making a positive impact. A report by Making Caring Common, in collaboration with Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, highlights these aspirations while also noting that financial security and work-life balance are crucial factors in their career decisions.
Despite wanting to contribute positively, Gen Z faces barriers to pursuing helping professions. The report suggests that for these jobs to be more appealing, they must not compromise financial stability or lead to excessive stress. Experts emphasize the need to understand Gen Z's values and develop their capacities to fulfill their aspirations in ways that benefit the world.
Furthermore, Gen Z's engagement with government is limited, with the generation comprising a small percentage of public service employees despite being a substantial part of the workforce. Experts stress the importance of civic education and suggest strategies to attract younger talent to government careers. These include promoting transparency, offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing modern work environments, and highlighting the social impact of public service.