The State of Gen Z 2025
The Breakthrough Annual National Study that Separates Myth from Truth About Gen Z as Workforce Trendsetters and Ambassadors of Change
Gen Z is changing how work, works. This year’s State of Gen Z® reveals for leaders what’s really driving this generation, from how they define trust and loyalty to what makes them stay and grow.
Five Featured Study Findings
- Almost half of Gen Z employees (45%) would take a pay cut to work for a boss they completely trust
- 73% of Gen Z workers believe there is a mental health crisis in today’s workforce
- 48% of Gen Z workers are actively looking for a new or different job right now
- 65% of Gen Z workers believe their bosses value in-person workers more highly than hybrid or remote workers
- 59% of Gen Z employees do not believe a college degree is needed to take a managerial role in their workplace
Study Author Perspective
“Every year, I look forward to what our annual State of Gen Z® study will uncover. This year’s findings give us one of the clearest views yet of how Gen Z approaches work, trust, and leadership—and what that means for organizations and leaders everywhere.
After more than two decades studying generational change, I see this as a turning point. Gen Z is now deep into the workforce, shaping teams, culture, and expectations. Their perspectives on loyalty, wellbeing, and growth are helping leaders see the workplace through a fresh lens—one that’s practical, data-driven, and full of opportunity.
My goal is that these insights spark conversations and a more accurate generational perspective. When leaders use data to understand what matters to Gen Z, they can build workplaces that attract, engage, and inspire Gen Z and every generation.”
Jason Dorsey, President and Lead Researcher
The Center for Generational Kinetics
Co-Author of Zconomy and The State of Gen Z Annual Report
The Top-Ranked Actions for Building Trust with Gen Z
By Total; Ranked #1/#2/#3 from 12 Options
Trust Starts with Action
The top-ranked behaviors that earn Gen Z’s trust in the workplace
Trust isn’t an abstract idea for Gen Z—it’s something leaders build through consistent, everyday actions. When asked what earns their trust at work, the top responses were treating people equally, better listening, keeping promises, greater accountability, and better flow of information.
“Trust grows from fairness, consistency, and communication—exactly the areas where every leader can make an immediate impact.”Denise Villa, PhD, CEO
The Center for Generational Kinetics
Our Insights Have Been Featured On
Request a Media Interview
Jason Dorsey is the leading generations and behavioral researcher trusted by more than 200 media outlets. His insights on Gen Z, the workforce, and emerging trends have been featured on 60 Minutes, CNBC, The Today Show, and in The New York Times.
Jason is known for bringing data-driven insights and perspectives that answer must-know generational questions.
For interviews about the latest news and events shaping Gen Z, or expert commentary on this year’s findings, request an interview with Jason below.
Rethinking Loyalty: How Long Does It Take to Prove Loyalty?
Gen Z’s perspective on loyalty might surprise you.
While headlines often label this generation as quick to job-hop, the data tells a more nuanced story. In fact, the State of Gen Z reveals that a total of more than 72% of working Gen Z believe they would have to work somewhere for more than one year to be considered a loyal employee.
This isn’t a generation allergic to commitment—it’s one that understands the link between loyalty and tenure, and sees staying power as meaningful.
In fact, it is a big surprise to many leaders that the study found 23% of Gen Z already in the workforce define loyalty as working somewhere for at least two years, and another 23% define it as staying for at least three. That level of tenure expectation is usually linked to older generations. This finding directly challenges the long-standing narrative that Gen Z is universally a job-hopping generation—an important and timely discovery for leaders.
How Many Years Gen Z Believes It Takes to Demonstrate Employee Loyalty
Minimum length of employment for Gen Z to show loyalty
On-the-job Experience is Valued by Gen Z
70% of Gen Z agree that workers under age 30 should seek on-site jobs to develop interpersonal skills and gain valuable on-the-job experience
Growth Happens At Work—Especially In Person
Gen Z knows real-world skills grow face to face.
For all the attention given to Gen Z’s love of flexibility, this finding reveals a crucial nuance: most Gen Z employees (70%!) recognize the career value of being on site—especially early on. They understand that some lessons, connections, and skills can only be built through face-to-face collaboration, not just logging in.
For leaders, that’s an opportunity to reframe on-site work not as a mandate, but as a career development advantage.
“Gen Z knows that some of the most important career lessons don’t happen on a screen—they happen side by side in the workplace.”Jason Dorsey, Co-Author of Zconomy
Redefining Identity
Gen Z sees work as part of their life—not all of it.
Nearly half of Gen Z employees (45%) don’t view their job as part of their identity—and that’s not a sign of disconnection. It reflects how this generation sees work as one part of a fuller life that can include non-work priorities such as relationships, purpose, wellbeing, and balance.
“Gen Z isn’t less committed—they’re just committed to other interests in addition to work. They know that pursuits outside of work can fuel better work, not less of it.”Denise Villa, PhD, Co-Author of Zconomy
Gen Z and Their Thoughts On Identity
Do you view your job or career as part of your identity?
Bring Our Discoveries to Your Event
Jason Dorsey brings the groundbreaking insights from the State of Gen Z® 2025 to life for audiences of leaders around the world. His engaging, data-driven, and story-filled presentations help leaders across industries understand how Gen Z is reshaping work, trust, performance, and communication—and what every organization can do right now to turn those insights into workplace results.
From keynotes and annual meetings to board presentations and leadership retreats, Jason delivers research-backed strategies that spark connection, action, and lasting impact. Jason has received over 1,000 standing ovations for his unique approach to generations and how to bring out the best in every generation.
Reach out now to learn about Jason Dorsey’s customized keynote presentations and content-rich interactive programs.
Jason Sharing Research Findings
From global stages to executive briefings, Jason Dorsey brings The State of Gen Z® 2025 and more than 150 additional CGK studies to life—turning research insights into stories and strategies leaders can act on right now.
Study Methodology
CGK has led its State of Gen Z national study since 2016. Over the course of the many studies, CGK has explored a variety of attitudes, beliefs, expectations, trends, behaviors, and actions of Gen Z at work, as consumers, and as trendsetters. The study series has been featured on numerous media outlets around the world and has been cited in many books and publications.
Jason Dorsey and the research team at CGK frequently share the findings from the State of Gen Z study in presentations, executive briefings, and trends reports. You can see prior editions of the State of Gen Z annual study by visiting the study’s primary website page here.
The 2025 State of Gen Z® study included 768 Gen Z participants, ages 18–28, all employed part-time or full-time, to capture a true snapshot of “Gen Z Working America.” The sample was weighted to align with the 2020 U.S. Census for age, gender, geography, and ethnicity. The margin of error of +/-3.54%.
About CGK
The Center for Generational Kinetics (CGK) is the leading research, advisory, and speaking firm focused on generations and must-know behavioral trends reshaping business and our world. CGK helps companies and leaders across the globe solve workforce challenges, unlock consumer trends, and drive bottom-line growth through original research, strategy, and insights that drive measurable results.
Each year, CGK releases The State of Gen Z® to spark data-driven conversations about Gen Z and the future of work. Learn more about CGK’s custom research and speaking solutions at GenHQ.com.
Download the Full Report
Download the full State of Gen Z® 2025 report for unique data-driven insights you can use to strengthen trust, retention, and results with Gen Z and all generations.
In this report you’ll discover:
- How Gen Z views trust in the workplace today
- The unexpected longevity connection Gen Z attaches to employe loyalty
- Eye-opening insights into how Gen Z values on-the-job learning
And so much more! Download today and start putting the insights and actions to use right away.
