TLDR: A recent Deloitte survey reveals that Gen Z and millennials in Belgium are prioritizing financial security, job stability, and work-life balance over traditional career advancement. A significant portion of these generations lives paycheck to paycheck, with many actively developing new skills, including GenAI capabilities, often without adequate employer support. This shift in priorities highlights a disconnect between traditional corporate expectations and the realities faced by younger workers.
Brussels, Belgium – The 2025 Deloitte Belgian Gen Z and Millennial Survey paints a clear picture of a workforce grappling with financial insecurity and redefined career aspirations. The study indicates that for these younger generations, the allure of climbing the corporate ladder has significantly diminished, replaced by a strong emphasis on financial stability, job security, and a healthy work-life balance.
Financial precarity is a pervasive issue, with the survey revealing that a striking 46% of Gen Zs and 53% of millennials in Belgium are living paycheck to paycheck, even while employed full-time. Furthermore, nearly four in ten struggle to cover their basic living expenses each month. This financial strain is particularly acute among the under-35 age group, identified as the financially unhealthiest segment. To cope, a substantial number are taking on additional roles, with 44% of Gen Zs and 29% of millennials reporting side jobs, often linked to personal passions they hope to cultivate into future careers. Concerns about long-term financial well-being, such as pensions, have also surged, with worries increasing from 27% to 45% for Gen Z and from 36% to 48% for millennials in just one year.
Career ambitions have notably shifted. Only a small fraction—8% of Gen Zs and 9% of millennials—now consider reaching senior leadership positions as their primary career goal. Instead, they are more inclined towards expert roles that offer clearer paths to success and often comparable remuneration. Nathalie Vandaele, Head of Human Resources at Deloitte North South Europe, notes, “Young people no longer follow a single path to success. Today, professional ambitions often evolve laterally rather than vertically.” This suggests a fundamental re-evaluation of what constitutes a successful career.
Despite these challenges, Gen Z and millennials are highly proactive in their professional development. The survey found that 67% of Gen Zs and 49% of millennials actively engage in developing new skills at least once a week, with a majority (63% of Gen Zs and 57% of millennials) dedicating personal time outside of work hours to enhance their capabilities. This includes a keen interest in emerging technologies, with a global finding from Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey indicating that 74% of Gen Zs and 77% of millennials believe Generative AI (GenAI) will impact their work within the next year. However, this drive for self-improvement is often met with insufficient support from employers; only 27% of Gen Z and 24% of millennials report receiving effective managerial assistance for their skill acquisition efforts.
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The quest for meaning also remains paramount, with 81% of Gen Z and 87% of millennials considering a sense of purpose crucial for job satisfaction. For Gen Z, work no longer defines their identity, ranking behind family and friends, and on par with sports or cultural activities. Mental well-being continues to be a significant concern, with Deloitte describing it as a ‘silent epidemic’ affecting these generations.
