How Gen Z around the globe is reshaping societal norms

Across all five regions surveyed, Stressed Strivers are the predominant Gen Z segment. More than a third of Gen Z respondents globally said they usually or always felt anxious or depressed since March 2020, when global lockdowns began. But the cause of this stress does vary drastically from region to region, from doing badly on a test (China) to climate change (Germany) to gun violence (Mexico).

Being authentic and true to oneself is the single greatest value of Gen Z, and it bleeds into their expectations of work and the businesses they choose to consume from. Trust, something that is hard-won from this skeptical generation, is only won through authenticity and transparency.

While the core issues that unite them vary from region to region, Gen Z is laser-focused on enacting change and taking action to achieve the future they desire for themselves and the world around them. They are independent in their thinking, meaning they are less reliant on “the way things have always been” and prepared to take issues like climate change, economic inequality, racism and addiction head on for a better tomorrow.

Ernst & Young LLP surveyed a total of 5,000 members of Gen Z, with 1,000 from each of the following countries: China, Germany, Japan, Mexico and the United States. The online survey was completed between 4 August 2021 and 24 August 2021.

To be considered a member of Gen Z, a person had to have been born between 1 January 1997 (age 25 in 2022) and 31 December 2007 (age 15 in 2022).