Unrealistic expectations or innate confidence?

Younger employees are increasingly taking on more senior roles, as the world of work changes in embracing technology and artificial intelligence (AI). But good leadership requires much more than technical proficiencies.

Unrealistic expectations or innate confidence?

A combined 30% of Gen Z employees want their next career step to be into a senior leadership position or above (incl. CEO and Head of Department) – a significantly higher percentage than that of Millennials (19%), Gen X (9%) and Baby Boomers (7%). While some may argue that Gen Z is simply more ambitious than previous generations, others will view this as an unrealistic expectation reflective of a generation that doesn’t fully understand what it takes to achieve such seniority.

of Gen Z employees want their next career step to be into a senior leadership position or higher.

Younger employees are increasingly taking on more senior roles, and many would tip them to continue to do so as the world of work changes in embracing technology and artificial intelligence (AI). After all, having grown up around it, Gen Z possess an almost innate ability to master new tech. But good leadership requires much more than technical proficiencies.

Unfortunately for businesses however, Gen Z employees have no qualms with jumping ship if they aren’t presented with the opportunity to advance their careers. So, how do organisations manage such inflated expectations?

Do they prioritise younger talent when selecting individuals for development programmes – fast-tracking them into more senior positions at the risk of alienating older, more experienced colleagues? Or will Gen Z have to learn that career advancement is earned with time? With the global skills shortage continuing to present challenges, some businesses may feel their hand is being forced.

Young workers are increasingly taking on leadership positions in the corporate world, challenging traditional notions of experience and age.

Gen Z workers, who entered the workforce during the pandemic, are making up for missed opportunities by leveraging their native AI fluency.

If Gen Zers don’t see a route to climb the career ladder, they’re likely to leave their company. Despite relative inexperience, many have already earned managerial roles and expect to advance more rapidly than what may be realistic.

What, if anything, would you like
your next step in your career to be*?

*Gen Z responses