The desire for financial independence, consistency with desires and personal values and creating meaningful relationships emerge as key priorities for Gen Z, according to new global research from EY and Young China Group LLC titled “The first global generation: Adulthood reimagined for a changing world“.

The study is based on a sample of 10,000 young people aged 18 to 34 in ten countries across five continents and documents how the internet and social media generation is redefining the concept of adulthood.

More specifically, according to the research, young adults are showing a striking change in their perceptions of traditional life milestones and the definition of success. More than four in five (86%) identify themselves as adults, although 60% still live with parents or guardians.

Mental and physical health (51%) is for many the key indicator of future success, with family relationships (45%) outperforming financial well-being (42%) in most countries.

For businesses, this change is forcing a substantial transformation in the way they manage and approach human capital: organizations are being asked to redefine their talent attraction and retention strategies, while brands need to communicate more effectively with an audience that is constantly rethinking what it means to consume and succeed in the modern age.

Research shows that young people are cultivating a more mature perception, as well as emotional intelligence, earlier than ever before, thanks to their unlimited access to information. This has created a generation that understands the complexities and challenges of life, but at the same time shows a marked divergence in its expectations for the future:

Nearly one in three (31%) say they are very excited about how they imagine their life at 50, while at the same time 34% feel very worried.

In all countries surveyed, financial security emerges as the most important factor of stress for young people. Although 87% consider financial independence a key priority, fewer than two in three (63%) say they have a strong interest in acquiring wealth.

Only two out of three people (less than two out of three) are interested in wealth creation.

At the workplace level, job hopping is now considered normal, with nearly six in ten (59%) estimating that they will have to work for up to five employers during their career, while nearly one in five (19%) believe they will have to change jobs six or more times.

Attitudes to finance vary from country to country. In Japan and South Korea in particular, money emerges as the most important indicator of success, while in the US it ranks only 5th. In India and Saudi Arabia over 80% (86% and 84%, respectively) consider wealth to be extremely important, in contrast to the US (48%), Germany (49%) and Sweden (33%).

However, personal goals and desires are still at the heart of the matter. More than one in three (34%) are already married, and one in four (25%) are in a relationship, while half of those who are single say they want to start a relationship.

Despite the global downward trend in birth rates, nearly three in ten (29%) already have children, and nearly half (47%) of those who do not have children say they wish to have them in the future.

Technology and Gen Z

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Technology has created a common “digital language” for the new generation, quickly bridging cultural and language gaps and fostering a sense of connection in an ever-changing world. Almost all young people (99%) have a mobile phone, and 94% say they use social networking platforms daily.

Above all, 94% of mobile phone users say they use the Internet daily.

However, nearly half (44%) would prefer to reduce the amount of time they spend on social media, while one in three (33%) say their use causes them anxiety or depression.

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) embedded in every aspect of everyday life, Gen Z is being asked to take on new challenges and the vast opportunities it creates. Nearly half (45%) say they are willing to try new technologies, but interest varies by region.

In countries such as Saudi Arabia (39%) and India (30%), young people appear more open, while in more mature markets such as Japan (17%) and South Korea (17%), there is more caution.

“This generation balances between ambition and realistic adaptation to change”

Commenting on the survey, Eftichia Kaselaki, Partner in the Consulting Services department, Head of Human Resources Consulting Services at EY Greece, said:

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“Gen Z is growing up in a world full of contradictions, endless access to information, but also deep uncertainty, countless opportunities and pressure for success that is defined differently for each individual. In this generation, we see a unique ability to balance ambition and realistic adaptation to change.

For businesses, the bet is not just to reach this generation with technology, but to cultivate meaningful relationships, creating an environment where Gen Zers can build their personal and professional identities with authenticity and purpose.”