Udemy, a leading online skills marketplace and learning platform, has recently published a new research report, Gen Z in the Workplace: Welcoming the Next Generation. This study highlights the critical role of Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012) in shaping the future workforce, drawing insights from over 6,500 multi-generational learners, including 900 respondents from India.
According to the findings, 62% of Gen Z learners surveyed in India are particularly driven to upskill to increase their earning potential—more than their Millennial and Gen X counterparts. Additionally, despite demand for generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) content continuing to surge across the Udemy platform and Gen Z’s exceptionally high engagement rate with GenAI, they’re the most sceptical generation regarding perceptions of AI’s effectiveness in online learning. When it comes to workplace preferences, Gen Z learners in India place significant value on attributes such as recognition of achievements (72%) and clear communication from their direct managers (44%).
Gen Z in the Workplace: Welcoming the Next Generation deconstructs several Gen Z stereotypes and explores critical themes for employers to consider when engaging with this generation.
Here are the major findings from the Udemy report:
Commitment to Learning and Career Development
Dedication to Learning
An overwhelming 98% of Gen Z learners surveyed in India dedicate at least one hour per week to learning, reflecting a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. This dedication is comparable to 93% of Millennials and Gen X, who also engage in weekly learning activities.
Motivations for Learning
The top motivations driving Gen Z learners surveyed in India are:
- Increasing earning potential (62%)
- Achieving personal growth and self-improvement (59%)
- Staying competitive in their job or industry (56%)
Preferred Learning Methods
64% of Gen Z surveyed in India prefer full online courses for their learning needs, a slight preference compared to 62% of Millennials, but lower than the 72% of Gen X who favour this method.
AI Integration in Learning
AI-Driven Learning
79% of Gen Z in India are likely to use online learning platforms offering AI-driven personalized experiences. However, this is lower than the 85% of Millennials and 98% of Gen X who show similar interest.
AI Confidence
Despite their interest, Gen Z surveyed in India’s confidence in AI-driven learning’s effectiveness is somewhat cautious, with 78% believing it can enhance their learning experiences. This sentiment is lower than the 84% of Millennials with similar views. Leaders must assess how and where to deploy AI to ensure it enhances Gen Z learners’ experience and does not compromise the process through bias or inaccuracy.
Workplace Preferences and Career Preparation
Direct Manager Attributes
Gen Z learners surveyed in India value the following attributes in their direct managers:
- Recognition of achievements and contributions (72%)
- Clear communication and transparency regarding job expectations and company updates (44%)
- A positive and inclusive team culture (42%)
Senior Leadership Expectations
The most valued aspect of senior leadership among Gen-Z in India is investment in employee professional development and growth (44%).
Communication Preferences
Preferred Communication Channels
Gen Z learners in India strongly prefer face-to-face interactions (67%) and video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams (66%) for communication.
Communication Misunderstandings
A significant 97% of Gen Z learners in India have experienced feelings of being misunderstood at work due to their communication style, highlighting a potential area for improvement in workplace communication strategies.
Commenting on the newly released report, Greg Brown, President and CEO at Udemy said:
Gen Z is not the first generation to usher in change for the workforce. From Millennials to Gen X to Boomers, each generation has created new opportunities for leaders to reassess their approach to learning and development to engage workers in continuous upskilling. This report offers a guide for leaders to help Gen Z upskill at the pace of change demanded by technologies like generative AI, setting the newest workforce up for success while positioning organizations for long-term growth.
Vinay Pradhan, Country Manager and Senior Director—India and South Asia at Udemy added:
Gen Z’s development and skilling are crucial in shaping the future workforce. Our research provides valuable insights into what they seek from employers, including a focus on work-life balance and job satisfaction. Gen Z is also eager for mental stimulation, opportunities for growth, and hands-on workplace experience; for organizations looking to attract and retain Gen Z talent, understanding and addressing these needs is essential.
About Udemy
Udemy transforms lives through learning by providing flexible, effective skill development to empower organizations and individuals. The Udemy marketplace platform, with thousands of up-to-date courses in dozens of languages, offers the tools learners, instructors, and enterprises need to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Headquartered in San Francisco, with centres in Ankara and Istanbul, Turkey; Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Dublin, Ireland; Melbourne, Australia; and New Delhi, India. Millions of people use the Udemy platform to learn from real-world experts on topics ranging from programming and data science to leadership and teamwork.
