A recent survey by Deloitte found that over 40% of Gen Z and Millennials would switch jobs if their current employer was not doing enough to address climate change. This is a significant number, and it suggests that climate change is a major concern for these generations.
There are a number of reasons why Gen Z and Millennials may be more likely to switch jobs over climate concerns. First, they are more likely to be concerned about climate change than older generations. According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, 70% of Gen Z and 67% of Millennials are very or somewhat worried about climate change, compared to 55% of Gen X and 44% of Baby Boomers.
Second, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to be employed in industries that are affected by climate change. For example, the environmental services industry is projected to grow by 17% between 2020 and 2030, and the renewable energy industry is projected to grow by 25%. This means that Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to be exposed to the effects of climate change in their work, and they are more likely to see the need for businesses to take action.
Finally, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to be politically active than older generations. They are more likely to vote, and they are more likely to participate in protests and other forms of activism. This means that they are more likely to be aware of the issue of climate change, and they are more likely to take action to address it.
What does this mean for businesses? Businesses that do not take climate change seriously may find it difficult to attract and retain Gen Z and Millennial workers. These generations are more likely to be concerned about the environment, and they are more likely to want to work for businesses that are taking action to address climate change.
What does this mean for the future of work? As the effects of climate change become more severe, we may see a shift in the workforce, with more people working in industries that are focused on addressing climate change. This could lead to new opportunities for Gen Z and Millennials, who are already more likely to be employed in these industries.
What can you do? If you are a Gen Z or Millennial worker, you can use your voice to demand that your employer take climate change seriously. You can also support businesses that are taking action on climate change. By doing so, you can help to ensure that the future of work is one that is sustainable and equitable.