Nearly 80% of Generation Z members in the United States expressed a strong interest in jobs focused on helping others, according to a recent survey conducted by Gallup in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation and Harvard University’s Making Caring Common Project, reports BritPanorama.
This survey, released on Wednesday, indicates Generation Z’s desire to find meaning and purpose in their work. Katherine Senseman, a research consultant for Gallup, noted, “In a time where loneliness and mental health struggles are an issue for Gen Z, this data is showing that they want to help people and they are struggling to find that meaning and purpose in life.”
The findings reveal that 89% of those who aspire to make a positive impact also reported feeling that their lives are meaningful. Richard Weissbourd, faculty director of the Making Caring Common Project, reflected on the psychological benefits of engaging in care-focused work: “Helping others is good for our mental health, and lots of Gen Zers lack meaning and purpose, which is really not good for your mental health,” he said. “They’re finding meaning and purpose in helping others.”
However, the survey also highlights barriers that hinder this demographic from pursuing such careers. Over half of respondents indicated that unproductive use of technology and mental health issues impede their ability to live fulfilling lives. Furthermore, nearly half of them cited financial concerns and the demanding nature of care-focused jobs as deterrents to these professions. Many expressed that these roles often pay insufficient salaries and can be emotionally taxing.
Barriers to a meaningful life
Gen Z’s relationship with technology was evident in the survey, with many recognizing excessive screen time as a significant barrier to meaningful living. Alongside this, 34% feared their lack of personal relationships contributed to their feelings of purposelessness. “Even though care-focused jobs could lead to overcoming some of these barriers, the jobs themselves present some concerns,” one source remarked.
Indeed, half of those polled said they prioritise finding jobs that are financially stable but not overly stressful, a preference that clashes with the realities of low-paying care-oriented roles. Additionally, the pressure to achieve and find meaning in life was reported to be a source of stress by over half of respondents, especially among younger individuals aged 19 to 21.
Gallup and its partners conducted the survey in December 2025, gathering responses from 2,436 young people aged 13 to 28 living in the United States. The results underscore a generational desire for a balance between financial stability and personal fulfillment.
How to motivate Gen Z’s drive to help others
When asked about job preferences, nearly half of Gen Z indicated they would choose a higher-paying job over a more meaningful role. However, a significant majority stated they would opt for fulfilling work if financial considerations were set aside. More than half prioritize fulfilling work, with 25% placing importance on roles that involve helping and caring for others.
Anthony Burrow, an associate professor of psychology at Cornell University, highlighted the opportunity this presents. “This is a story of opportunity,” he noted, emphasizing that when offered a chance to engage in purposeful activities, Generation Z largely opts for them. He encouraged hiring managers and educators to adapt their approaches to better align with the values and priorities of this generation.
Such insights present not just challenges, but opportunities for organizations and educational institutions to help facilitate pathways for younger individuals to engage in meaningful work. Addressing Gen Z’s need for purpose could redefine the dynamics between work, fulfillment, and mental health, offering a more supportive framework for the generation.
