Gen Z Perspectives

Gen Z leaders expressed a mix of excitement about the potential for AI to streamline everyday processes, and concern for artificial intelligence diminishing their agency and ability to connect with others. A common theme that surfaced was consideration of the aspects of daily life that were quintessentially human and needed to be preserved as AI continues to advance.

Key Takeaways:

• Expressed the need for learning to work on teams, and having access to skills training, career development support, and mentorship opportunities early in their career
• Noted the importance of having conversations about access and equity around AI early on
• Emphasized the importance of maintaining human connection and agency over innovation
• Shared a concern about AI diminishing their agency or ability to think for themselves, and expressed a desire for a life that is not ‘over-technologized’
• Expressed excitement and optimism for the potential for AI to improve their creativity and agency in work, and lessen their daily workload to create more flexible work environments

“There’s something about working with people on a team that’s nice, but mornings are hard and that help from AI would be great”

We found that Gen Z leaders tended to consider an AI-assisted future as representing a tension between the desire for efficiency, and the need for human connection and interaction. They expressed excitement about the potential for AI to lessen the pain points associated with a regular work day, but noted that any kind of AI-assistance needed to have hard limits on the parts of their lives it would not interfere with. The ambassador cohort also expressed a specific interest in utilizing AI to promote creativity and collaboration.

“That could’ve been a young person’s job”

Gen Z leaders also pointed out that there were aspects of AI-assisted work that might impact their generation negatively, by preventing the experiential learning that occurs in entry-level work. Leaders also repeatedly pointed out the importance of considering equity and access in the future of work and AI; for example, one attendee noted that AI futures would never be realized in a meaningful way without all Americans first having access to broadband.

“It seemed kinda lonely”

Despite sharing excitement about AI’s ability to increase efficiency and productivity in their lives, Gen Z leaders pointed out that a future dominated by artificial intelligence, while more efficient, would minimize human interaction to degrees that may harm mental health. The leaders made specific reference to the loneliness epidemic facing Generation Z.

Non-Gen Z Perspectives

Non-Gen Z attendees shared the Gen Z leaders’ concerns about privacy and ethics, and expressed optimism for the possibility of AI streamlining processes and improving opportunities for talent development. Non-Gen Z attendees shared a desire for strategic implementation of AI, and expressed most excitement for AI’s ability to improve innovation and workforce development. These attendees also recognized the importance of encouraging lifelong learning practices and constant adaptation in the age of AI, especially coming from employers and educational institutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Shared excitement about potential for everyday processes to be streamlined and innovation to improve
• Emphasized importance of employers and institutions providing support for talent and career development alongside AI
• Expressed concern about privacy and ethical considerations around AI use
• Encouraged the development of partnerships between industry and educational institutions to align skills training with market needs

Key Recommendations

Perspectives shared by Gen Z and Non-Gen Z attendees surfaced the following key recommendations for educational institutions, employers, and policymakers:

• Bridge Generational Gaps – Leverage the strategic thinking of older generations alongside Gen Z’s insight into the unique challenges of the workforce landscape in the coming years to define solutions for the future of work
• AI-Driven Educational Reform – Advocate for reforms that support lifelong learning, personalized learning, and industry collaboration
• Corporate Responsibility and Ethics – Ensure that AI adoption aligns with broader societal values and enhances workforce well-being
• Policy Development – Encourage policies that support the ethical and inclusive use of AI in both education and the workplace, protecting privacy and promoting access to opportunities.
• Customized AI Solutions – Develop AI tools that cater to diverse user needs, from enhancing productivity and creativity to ensuring data security and ethical use.