A Deloitte study, the "Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2026", surveyed 22,595 people in 44 countries, including 406 participants in Portugal divided between Generation Z and Millennials. The data reveal that Portuguese young people prefer well-being and stability over leadership positions. Only 6% of Generation Z and 4% of Millennials point to reaching a leadership position as their main professional goal, despite 63% and 61%, respectively, admitting they would like to take on leadership responsibilities at some point. Work-life balance is the priority for 28% of Generation Z and 32% of Millennials, followed by financial independence and job stability. Margarida Sousa Uva, from Deloitte, summarizes that young people "continue to be ambitious, but are redefining the concept of professional success".
The cost of living is the main concern for 51% of Generation Z and 50% of Portuguese Millennials, conditioning their professional decisions. Financial difficulties are already altering life plans: 57% of Generation Z and 65% of Millennials have postponed important decisions such as starting a family, pursuing further studies, or changing careers. Housing is another conditioning factor, with 81% of Generation Z and 78% of Millennials stating that housing affordability influences their career decisions. More than half of Generation Z (57%) believe they cannot afford to buy a house, and 46% of Millennials have difficulty covering all monthly expenses.
Stress levels are high: 46% of both Generation Z and Millennials feel permanently stressed. Long working hours are cited as the main stress factor (65% in Generation Z and 60% in Millennials), followed by lack of recognition and toxic organizational cultures. Among those not interested in leadership positions, 49% would prioritize a higher salary to reconsider. However, 31% of Generation Z and 39% of Millennials already hold management roles or supervise teams in Portugal.
Artificial intelligence is already part of the daily work of 68% of Portuguese young people, being mainly used to identify learning and development opportunities. However, only 20% of Generation Z and 19% of Millennials have completed AI training, below the global average. Regarding purpose, 95% of Generation Z and 98% of Millennials consider it important for professional fulfillment, but only 46% and 43%, respectively, feel that their current work is aligned with their values. Workplace relationships are also valued: 60% of young people from both generations have colleagues they consider personal friends, and among Millennials in this situation, 60% plan to remain in the organization for more than five years.
