The Voice of Youth: a survey revealing an engaged generation

The Voice of Youth, a survey conducted by For Youth, the endowment fund of CA Personal Finance & Mobility, highlights a generation that is engaged and ready to take action, but still seeking trust, recognition, and better access to employment.

An engaged generation ready to take its place

According to The Voice of Youth survey carried out by For Youth, young people aged 15–30 stand out for their willingness to act and contribute to society.

Conducted between January and April 2026 among 3,000 young people in France, the study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to better understand their expectations.

The findings are clear:

• 81% say they are ready to take on responsibilities
• 44% consider building a career within the same employer

Far from common stereotypes, young people emerge as committed, available, and willing to engage in the world of work.

A generation mobilized around key societal issues

Young people show a high level of engagement with major societal challenges:

• 67% cite the environment and climate among their priorities
• 56% mention the fight against inequalities

This engagement reflects a strong desire to actively contribute to economic, social, and environmental transformations.

They also expect their work to have meaning and a positive societal impact, beyond its purely economic dimension

A redefined vision of success

The survey highlights a major shift in how success is defined. For young people, success primarily means:

• feeling fulfilled (61%)
• having time for personal passions (40%)
• maintaining freedom of choice (39%)

Traditional markers such as income level or financial success now take a back seat. Work remains important, but is increasingly seen as part of a broader life balance between professional and personal fulfillment.

Real barriers to entering the workforce

Despite their motivation, young people face significant structural challenges:

• cost of living (72%)
• housing (70%)
• access to a first job (58%)

Mental health is also a key issue, with 70% reporting psychological difficulties.

These challenges increase expectations toward organizations and institutions.

A persistent gap between perception and reality

The study reveals a significant gap between how young people see themselves and how they believe they are perceived:

• They describe themselves as engaged, supportive, and resourceful
• Yet they feel seen as lazy (71%) or disconnected (50%)

This gap hinders their integration and fuels intergenerational misunderstandings.

The expected company: a model built on trust and learning

For young people, the ideal company is based on several key factors:

• continuous and tailored training
• mentoring, including intergenerational mentoring
• openness to diverse profiles
• participation in decision-making

More than 80% consider these levers effective in fostering engagement. At the heart of their expectations lies one key word: trust.

They expect organizations to provide them with a meaningful role based on recognition and responsibility.

Fostering intergenerational dialogue

Beyond the survey itself, The Voice of Youth aims to support dialogue between generations.

Through on-the-ground initiatives, discussions with leaders, and collaborative workshops, the goal is to create spaces for exchange between young people, companies, and public stakeholders.

As Laïla Mamou, Director of Civic Engagement at CA Personal Finance & Mobility, notes:

“Listening to young people is already giving them a place.”