A 2025 EY US Generation Survey released Dec. 16 showed that 60% of participants state that culture is a significant factor in their decision to remain in their jobs.
“The US workplace continues to evolve. Gen Z and millennials, in particular, are driving change, but all generations are looking beyond compensation and prioritizing relationships, connections and values,” said Leslie Patterson, EY Americas and US Inclusiveness Leader.
She added that “Many organizations are focused on AI and other emerging technologies that are critical to a competitive advantage. But they should also keep their people front and center and look for ways to address the needs of all generations."
US workers might be experiencing the strain of a slumping job market, the effect of artificial intelligence (AI), and economic uncertainty. However, in terms of their priorities, workplace culture is at the top, based on the survey.
The survey demonstrates that a vast majority of participants—94%—state that workplace culture impacts whether they stay at an organization. This increased from when this research was first conducted in 2022 (92%).
Additionally, 60% in 2025 state that culture played a big part in deciding to stay in their workplaces “a great deal” or “a lot,” similar to 59% in 2022.
The most important aspect of workplace culture is the way people interact with 29%—which is the single biggest response—the most valuable aspect of company culture is “how people treat each other.”
The respondents ranked it above leadership and management style, work environment, experiencing the organization's values in action, or even feeling that the company prioritizes their career growth.
While the survey shows the differences among the generations, answers to questions regarding culture and values demonstrate an amount of common ground. “How people treat each other” was rated almost equally significant across generations—Gen Z (28%), millennials (26%), Gen X (32%), and baby boomers (34%).
Many professionals also want their company to align with their personal values. Close to half of Gen Z and millennial workers—48% and 47%, respectively—said that they want to work for an organization that in line with their belief system versus 44% of all professionals.
Generally, one in five—or 22%—of those who say they plan to leave their company within the next year report they will leave because it does not align with their values. This is particularly true in millennials (30%), who had a similar sentiment in 2022 (29%).
The survey comprises 5,000 US white-collar workers at organizations that have 5,000 employees or more. The survey looks at workplace expectations and perspectives, overall, and by generation.