It might be a while before Generation Beta, born between 2025 and 2039, enters the workforce, but once they do, they’ll no doubt change employment as we know it.
While we’re already seeing some of these changes with Gen Z, and it’s not possible to know exactly what the world will be like in the next 20 years, once Gen Beta comes of age, they’ll have their own unique skills, ideas, and approaches to work that might still seem foreign to us now but will no doubt be commonplace by then. Here are just a few of the ways they’ll make their mark, professionally speaking.
1. They’ll have natural fluency with advanced technology.
Generation Beta will grow up in a world where advanced technologies like AI and augmented reality are just everyday tools. They won’t have to adapt to these innovations because they’ll already be part of their normal lives. Their comfort with cutting-edge tech will give them a huge advantage when they step into the workforce. What’s exciting is how their ease with technology will drive creativity and efficiency in ways we haven’t seen before. They’ll use these tools not just to get work done but to solve problems and think outside the box. Companies that stick with outdated systems might struggle to keep up with their expectations for fast, intuitive workflows.
2. They’ll probably insist on a stronger emphasis on work-life integration.
For Generation Beta, the idea of strict boundaries between work and personal life will feel outdated. They’ll expect jobs to offer flexibility, letting them blend their responsibilities and passions. The concept of working nine to five in a set location will seem as old-fashioned as a landline phone. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about rethinking how work fits into their lives. They’ll prioritise jobs that allow them to thrive both personally and professionally, valuing time for hobbies, family, or just taking a breather. Companies that don’t offer flexibility might find it hard to attract or keep their attention.
3. They’re likely to demand meaningful sustainability efforts.
Growing up in an era where climate change is a constant topic will shape how Generation Beta views work. They won’t just hope their employers are environmentally conscious — they’ll expect it. If a company isn’t genuinely working toward sustainability, they’ll have no problem looking elsewhere. What sets this generation apart is their ability to spot surface-level efforts. They’ll want transparency and real progress, not empty promises. Companies that prioritise sustainability will not only attract Gen Beta, but also earn their loyalty by aligning with their deeply rooted values.
4. They’ll have a different take on leadership.
Gone are the days when being a leader meant sitting in a corner office and handing down decisions. Generation Beta will want leaders who are approachable, empathetic, and collaborative. They’ll look up to managers who listen, guide, and treat their teams like equals. That shift will reshape the dynamics in the workplace. Leaders who embrace mentorship and open communication will thrive, while traditional “bosses” might struggle to connect. For Generation Beta, respect will be earned through actions, not titles, creating a workplace culture built on trust and mutual growth.
5. They’ll have a deep love for continuous learning.
With technology and industries evolving at lightning speed, Generation Beta won’t see education as something that ends after school. They’ll want jobs that offer ongoing opportunities to learn and grow. A role that feels stagnant won’t hold their interest for long, and that will inevitably will push companies to invest more in training and development. From online courses to hands-on workshops, they’ll need to provide tools that keep their employees engaged and growing. The idea of lifelong learning won’t just be a trend for Gen Beta — it’ll be a non-negotiable part of their careers.
6. They’ll no doubt see mental health as a workplace priority.
Generation Beta will be more vocal than ever about the importance of mental health. They’ll expect employers to not just acknowledge it, but to actively support it through meaningful benefits and open discussions. A workplace that brushes off burnout or stress will be a red flag for them. What makes this generation unique is how comfortable they’ll be with normalising mental health conversations. They’ll look for roles where well-being isn’t just a buzzword but an actual priority. From flexible schedules to wellness programmes, companies will need to show they genuinely care about their team’s mental health.
7. They’ll expect a higher bar for diversity and inclusion.
Diversity and inclusion won’t just be nice-to-have concepts for Generation Beta — they’ll be non-negotiable. Growing up in an increasingly global and connected world, they’ll expect workplaces to reflect that. That means diverse teams, fair opportunities, and a culture that genuinely values everyone’s voice. It won’t stop at hiring practices. They’ll want to see diversity at all levels of an organisation, especially in leadership roles. Companies that embrace this will benefit from fresh perspectives and stronger collaboration, while those stuck in outdated practices might struggle to stay relevant to this generation.
8. They’ll want careers with a purpose.
Source: Unsplash For Generation Beta, a job will be more than just a way to pay the bills — it’ll need to align with their values. Whether it’s working for a cause they care about or contributing to something bigger than themselves, they’ll prioritise purpose-driven roles over ones that just offer a pay cheque. Focusing on meaningful work will challenge companies to clearly define their missions. If their values and actions don’t line up, this generation won’t hesitate to move on. Creating a workplace where employees feel like they’re making a difference will be key to retaining them long-term.
9. They’ll hopefully value collaboration over competition.
Source: Unsplash While older generations often thrived on healthy competition, Generation Beta will prefer collaboration. They’ll see teamwork as the best way to solve problems and achieve goals, valuing shared success over individual accolades. That mindset will naturally shift workplace dynamics toward more cooperative environments. To appeal to this generation, companies will need to emphasise open communication and collective achievements. Tools and practices that promote collaboration, like brainstorming sessions or digital platforms, will become the norm. By focusing on teamwork, workplaces will encourage creativity and stronger connections.
10. They’ll definitely expect automation to handle the boring stuff.
Source: Unsplash Repetitive tasks and manual processes won’t sit well with Generation Beta. They’ll expect automation and AI to take care of the mundane, leaving them free to focus on creative and strategic work. Efficiency won’t just be appreciated, it’ll be expected. That means companies will need to fully embrace technology to stay competitive. By automating routine tasks, they’ll not only keep this generation engaged, but also unlock more time for innovation and problem-solving. The future of work will be all about blending human creativity with machine efficiency.
11. They’ll necessarily be breaking away from traditional career paths.
The idea of climbing the corporate ladder step by step will feel restrictive to Generation Beta. They’ll prefer careers that allow them to explore different paths, whether that means lateral moves, temporary breaks, or even pursuing side projects alongside their main role. Their flexibility will challenge companies to rethink how they define success. Offering diverse opportunities for growth, rather than rigid hierarchies, will be crucial. For Generation Beta, it’s about finding roles that keep them excited and engaged, even if it doesn’t follow the traditional route.
12. They’ll use entrepreneurial thinking in every role.
Exposure to platforms that make starting a business easy will shape Generation Beta’s mindset, even if they don’t all become entrepreneurs. They’ll bring a sense of ownership and innovation to whatever role they take on, looking for ways to improve and make an impact. To harness this mindset, companies will need to give them autonomy and the freedom to experiment. Micromanaging won’t work — they’ll want the space to take risks and contribute their ideas. It will no doubt bring fresh energy to the workplace, benefiting both the employees and the organisation.
13. They’ll have a truly global outlook.
Having grown up in a world connected by the internet, Generation Beta will naturally think globally. They’ll expect workplaces to operate with a worldwide perspective, whether that means diverse teams or addressing global challenges. Localised thinking alone won’t be enough to engage them. What’s exciting about this is how it will bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table. They’ll be more likely to collaborate across borders, finding innovative ways to tackle problems from different angles. Companies that embrace a global mindset will stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
