Udemy, a leading online skills marketplace and learning platform, today released a new research report, Gen Z in the Workplace: Welcoming the Next Generation. This study highlights the critical role of Generation Z (defined as individuals born between 1997 and 2012) in shaping the future workforce, drawing insights from over 6,500 multi-generational learners, including 900 respondents from India. The findings reveal that 62% of Gen Z learners surveyed in India are particularly driven to upskill to increase their earning potential—more than their Millennial and Gen X counterparts. Additionally, despite demand for generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) content continuing to surge across the Udemy platform and Gen Z’s exceptionally high engagement rate with GenAI, they’re the most sceptical generation when it comes to perceptions of AI’s effectiveness in online learning. When it comes to workplace preferences, Gen Z learners in India place significant value on attributes such as recognition of achievements (72%) and clear communication from their direct managers (44%).
“Gen Z is not the first generation to usher in change for the workforce. From Millennials to Gen X to Boomers, each generation has created new opportunities for leaders to reassess their approach to learning and development to engage workers in continuous upskilling,” said Greg Brown, President and CEO at Udemy. “This report offers a guide for leaders to help Gen Z upskill at the pace of change demanded by technologies like generative AI, in turn setting the newest members of the workforce up for success while positioning organizations for long-term growth.”
“The development and skilling of Gen Z is crucial in shaping the future workforce. Our research provides valuable insights into what they seek from employers, including a focus on work-life balance and job satisfaction. Gen Z is also eager for mental stimulation, and opportunities for growth and hands-on experience in the workplace. For organizations looking to attract and retain Gen Z talent, understanding and addressing these needs is essential,” said Vinay Pradhan, Country Manager and Senior Director – India and South Asia at Udemy.
Gen Z in the Workplace: Welcoming the Next Generation deconstructs several Gen Z stereotypes and explores critical themes for employers to consider when engaging with this generation:
Commitment to Learning and Career Development
- Dedication to Learning: An overwhelming 98% of Gen Z learners surveyed in India dedicate at least one hour per week to learning, reflecting a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. This dedication is comparable to 93% of Millennials and Gen X who also engage in weekly learning activities.
- Motivations for Learning: The top motivations driving Gen Z learners surveyed in India are:
- Increasing earning potential (62%)
- Achieving personal growth and self-improvement (59%)
- Staying competitive in their job or industry (56%)
- Preferred Learning Methods: 64% of Gen Z surveyed in India prefer full online courses for their learning needs, a slight preference compared to 62% of Millennials, but lower than the 72% of Gen X who favour this method.
AI Integration in Learning
- AI-Driven Learning: 79% of Gen Z in India express a likelihood to use online learning platforms offering AI-driven personalized experiences, although this is lower than the 85% of Millennials and 98% of Gen X who show similar interest.
- AI Confidence: Despite their interest, Gen Z who were surveyed in India’s confidence in AI-driven learning’s effectiveness, is somewhat cautious, with 78% believing it can enhance their learning experiences. This sentiment is lower than the 84% of Millennials who hold a similar view. Leaders must assess how and where to deploy AI to ensure it enhances Gen Z learners’ experience and does not compromise the process through bias or inaccuracy.
Workplace Preferences and Career Preparation
- Direct Manager Attributes: Gen Z learners surveyed in India value the following attributes in their direct managers:
- Recognition of achievements and contributions (72%)
- Clear communication and transparency regarding job expectations and company updates (44%)
- A positive and inclusive team culture (42%)
- Senior Leadership Expectations: The most valued aspect of senior leadership among Gen-Z in India is investment in employee professional development and growth (44%).
Communication Preferences
- Preferred Communication Channels: Gen Z learners in India show a strong preference for face-to-face interactions (67%) and video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams (66%) for communication.
- Communication Misunderstandings: A significant 97% of Gen Z learners in India have experienced feelings of being misunderstood at work due to their communication style, highlighting a potential area for improvement in workplace communication strategies.
To dive deeper into what Gen Z is looking to learn at work, download Gen Z in the Workplace: Welcoming the Next Generation. To access courses designed to develop Gen Z’s most in-demand skill sets, visit udemy.com/personal-plan. To learn how organizations can partner with Udemy Business to develop the next generation’s skills in the workforce, visit business.udemy.com.
