7 key trends and behaviors reshaping the U.S. workforce.

A flexible work location remains important to more than 70 percent of Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X, with Baby Boomers close behind (63%). Yet a growing number of respondents do prefer returning to the office, particularly younger generations.

Millennials and Gen Z tend to prioritize non-career-related goals while Gen X and Boomers look to their age and stage of life as most indicative of their ambitions. This is no surprise, given the emphasis placed on work-life balance and personal fulfillment among younger generations.

A desire for career development opportunities extends across age groups. In fact, the majority of all respondents think training and development is important to both their current job and future employment.

According to the data, 42 percent of Gen X and 38 percent of Boomers in the U.S. agree they would quit a job if it were preventing them from enjoying their life. For younger generations, this number was even higher (57% for Gen Z and 53% for Millennials).

Even as terms like equity and diversity continue to receive negative attention, the workforce still places value on them. Gender pay equity ranks highest among desired employer EDIB initiatives, but a notable portion of respondents also view a diverse workforce as a crucial factor.

While employer stance and action on social, political and environmental issues remains important to U.S. workers, so do benefits like parental leave. In fact, a majority of respondents across all age groups wouldn’t accept a job if it didn’t provide benefits like these.

A significant number of employees across different generations want a sense of purpose in their work. The good news is, most do. This year’s data shows that 59 percent of Gen Z respondents think their current job gives them a sense of purpose, and is shared by most Millennials (62%), Gen X (61%) and Boomers (62%).