Younger workers are upbeat about career prospects but expect more from employers

Younger workers are the most optimistic about their career prospects but also the most likely to look for new opportunities if their ambitions are not met, according to PwC’s 2025 Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey. The study, which gathered responses from 2,023 UK employees across 28 sectors, found that 62 percent of Generation Z professionals (aged 18 to 28) feel optimistic about the future of their roles, almost double the proportion of Generation X workers at 35 percent. Despite economic uncertainty and technological disruption, Gen Z also show the highest levels of motivation, with 71 percent saying they look forward to going to work compared to 55 percent of Gen X respondents.

However, this enthusiasm comes with higher expectations. Almost one in three Gen Z professionals, or 27 percent, say they are likely to change jobs within the next year compared with one in five Gen X employees. Younger workers are also the most likely to seek pay rises or promotions, reflecting both ambition and impatience with slow career progression.

Sarah Moore, Head of Workforce Transformation Consulting at PwC UK, said employers have a critical opportunity to channel this energy. “Gen Z’s optimism, energy and ambition is a massive opportunity for the UK workforce, but they will not wait for employers to catch up,” she said. Moore added that burnout remains a risk, with 45 percent of Gen Z workers feeling overwhelmed at least once a week.

The findings also highlight widening generational divides in upskilling and technology use. Younger workers are nearly twice as likely as older colleagues to be learning new skills, and more confident about managing the impact of new technologies on their jobs. Half of Gen Z respondents believe they can influence how technology affects their work, compared with just 21 percent of Gen X.

AI adoption remains uneven across the workforce. Around 15 percent of UK employees use generative AI tools daily, more than double last year’s figure, but usage is heavily concentrated among senior executives. Almost three-quarters, or 73 percent, of non-managers say they have never used GenAI at work.

Despite this, younger workers are significantly more optimistic about the benefits of AI. Two-thirds of Gen Z professionals expect technology to boost productivity, and nearly half anticipate higher salaries and improved job security as a result.

PwC’s research suggests that while younger generations are driving workplace optimism and skill development, they also expect employers to match their pace of change. Tailored learning, mentoring and clearer career pathways, the report concludes, could help organisations retain and develop this ambitious cohort.