Deloitte: What Gen Z & Millennials Think about Sustainablity
Gen Z and Millennial’s are expected to make up 74% of the workforce by 2030, according to a 2024 Deloitte study.
Deloitte Global has surveyed Gen Z and Millennials to examine the factors that shape how they feel in the workplace, reaching more than 23,000 people across 44 countries.
It found that Gen Z and Millennials have different aspirations and needs to older generations, making it important for employers to be kept in the loop.
What is Deloitte’s survey about?
The Deloitte survey has been running for 14 years in 2025.
It looks at the priorities, concerns and work related attitudes of both generations, with the aim to provide insights for employers on how to better understand and engage these demographics in the workplace.
The survey has found that overall Gen Z and Millennials are focused on growth, seeking money, meaning and well being as their top objectives.
"As Gen Zs and Millennials navigate a rapidly changing world of work, they are re-evaluating the capabilities they need to succeed and the support they want from their employers,” says Elizabeth Faber, Global Chief People & Purpose Officer at Deloitte.
Sustainability at work
Deloitte's survey it asked Gen Z and Millennials how important they think sustainability is in the workplace.
Overall, 70% of respondents said that they consider a company’s environmental credentials important when evaluating potential employers.
Nearly a quarter of Gen Zs and Millennials will research a company's environmental policies before accepting a job, with around 15% of respondents changing jobs due to sustainability concerns.
Roughly 40% of people in the report have left employers or rejected opportunities due to not matching their personal ethics or environmental values.
Around half of respondents say that they have put pressure on employers to take action on environmental issues.
Mattias Medert, Global Head Of Sustainability at SAP, said on LinkedIn, “Our world stands at a critical turning point. The risks from environmental, economic and social crises are growing—and we are running out of time to act.
“In these challenging times, strong and united action from politics, business and society is not optional; it is necessary.
“If we are honest, my generation is struggling to make the big, globally aligned and effective changes that are needed.
“Some have even started to give up the fight against climate change and focus only on adaptation.
“That is why the latest Deloitte Gen Z and Millennial Survey gave me real hope.”
Sustainability outside of work
Gen Z and Millennials reported that they don’t just focus on sustainability in the workplace, but in their personal lives as well.
Respondents told Deloitte that they take sustainability related action at home including upgrading items to energy efficient alternatives and looking to purchase electric or hybrid cars.
More than half of respondents say they are willing to pay more for sustainable products or services, with around 25% researching a company's environmental impact before purchasing a product.
Around 65% say they feel anxious about the state of the environment recently and more than 70% say they have experienced extreme weather-related events in the past year.
Mattias said: “This survey is energising.
“It strengthens my belief that bold goals and real action on climate, inclusion, human rights and sustainable business are not just the right thing to do, they are also what we need to win the trust and creativity of the next generation, especially for fields like AI and digital innovation.”
