Gen Z Takes the Reins: How Deloitte’s Recent Survey Reveals Their Impact on AI, Sustainability, & Risk

Key Takeaways

• Sustainability as a Must-Have: 70% of Gen Z and Millennials are factoring environmental credentials into their employer choices, with many already changing jobs due to sustainability concerns.
• Beyond the Workplace: This generation is not just talking about the environment—they’re actively choosing sustainable products and pushing companies to do the same.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Nearly 90% of Gen Z and Millennials believe that purpose in the workplace is crucial to their overall job satisfaction.
• AI’s Role in Sustainability: As environmental concerns become more urgent, AI will play a pivotal role in helping businesses meet sustainability targets while staying ahead of regulatory demands.
• The Risk of Inaction: Organizations that fail to integrate both AI and sustainability into their operations may find themselves out of step with the values of the workforce that’s shaping the future.

Deep Dive

As Gen Z increasingly enters the workforce and takes the reins in shaping corporate cultures, environmental sustainability and technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), seem to be rising to the forefront of workplace and governance expectations. A new survey from Deloitte reveals that these concerns are not only driving career choices but also redefining what it means to be a responsible corporate entity in today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape.

The 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, paints a decent enough picture of this growing shift. For example, seven out of ten Gen Z and Millennial workers report that a company’s environmental credentials are a key deciding factor when choosing an employer. And these aren’t just passing concerns—this generation is and will take action. Nearly half of respondents have already put pressure on employers to adopt green policies, and for some, the issue is so critical that they’ve switched jobs in search of a more eco-conscious workplace.

The survey reveals that nearly 70% of Millennials and Gen Zers consider sustainability a must when evaluating potential employers. But it doesn’t end there, 65% of Gen Z and 63% of Millennials are actively choosing sustainable products, willing to pay more for environmentally friendly goods and services. These young professionals are not just talking the talk, they’re walking the walk.

But here’s a twist, it’s not just about a commitment to the planet. It’s about blending sustainability with purpose in a way that makes work feel meaningful. For Gen Z and Millennials, job satisfaction is deeply tied to a sense of purpose, with around 90% of each group saying that feeling like their work matters is essential for their well-being. And this isn’t just a passing trend, it’s an expectation that’s poised to impact corporate strategies for years to come.

This generational shift brings a unique challenge to businesses, especially for those navigating the complex intersection of risk, governance, and AI. As environmental concerns push to the top of the agenda, businesses will need to think beyond just compliance. They’ll also need to leverage technology to meet both sustainability and governance demands.

Here’s where AI comes into play. From tracking environmental impact to optimizing resource management, AI has the potential to help businesses align their operations with these sustainability expectations. The younger workforce isn’t just asking for it, they’re demanding it. And businesses that fail to recognize the importance of integrating AI-driven sustainability practices into their operations risk falling behind in a world where environmental and technological accountability go hand in hand.

The good news is that the path forward is clear. AI can help companies not only meet regulatory standards but also gain a competitive edge by automating sustainability initiatives and improving risk management. It’s a win-win for organizations that want to attract the top talent of tomorrow while safeguarding their reputation today.

As Gen Z takes the reins, companies that embrace these changes will be best positioned to thrive in a world where purpose, technology, and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

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