An overwhelming majority of KPMG interns surveyed by the firm rejected the belief that GenZers are lazy and do not want to work hard, Accounting Today reported.

Surveying 433 of its U.S. interns across its tax, audit and advisory functions between Feb. 29 and March 18, KPMG found that 90 percent of these respondents believe that perspective to be a misconception.

Nearly two thirds of the respondents said they value working toward and dedicating time toward their long-term career goals over spending time with family friends in their early careers. In addition, 34 percent responded that they would plan to stay with their first employer or in their first job for more than five years, and 24 percent planned to stay for two to five years.

“Gen Z really finds it important to dispel that notion that they are a lazy generation," Derek Thomas, national partner-in-charge of university talent acquisition at KPMG, told Accounting Today. "They have a focus on what their priorities are, and they want folks to understand the difference between being lazy and trying to balance out what their priorities are with work."

When asked for the top three factors they value most in a future employer, the respondents identified salary (25 percent), closely followed by a positive culture and working environment (24 percent) and opportunities for advancement (20 percent).

A large majority also said they valued purpose, culture, sustainability and opportunity: 78 percent agreed or somewhat agreed that an employer’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts are important factors when considering a job or employer. Those efforts include prioritizing the environment and sustainability; commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and social equity; and demonstration of ethical business practices.

In addition, 89 percent agreed or somewhat agreed that access to trainings on “soft skills” or professional skills is an important factor when considering a job/employer. And 82 percent believed  that a hybrid work model would provide the most opportunity for growth as they start their career. Yet only 4 percent favored a fully remote workplace is best, while 14 percent favored a fully in-person workplace.

Gen Z is fully embracing generative artificial intelligence (AI) both professionally and personally, the survey found. Forty-eight percent of the respondents believed that 20 percent of their future full-time jobs as they exist today will be automated by AI. In addition, 51 percent said they use Gen AI for work-related purposes, 43 percent use it for school-related purposes and 42 percent used it for personal reasons. Seventy-two percent agreed that access to AI-related trainings and tools provided by an employer is an important factor when considering a job or employer.