For Generation Z, career growth is the biggest priority
A study conducted with more than 32,000 JBS employees in March of this year shows that approximately 6 out of 10 people between the ages of 15 and 30 prioritize opportunities for professional growth and development when choosing a company to work for. This figure far exceeds the criteria for "Salary and Benefits", which reinforces that this generation seeks environments that invest in their professional future.
The survey interviewed employees from all over Brazil at different hierarchical levels: from apprentices to full-time employees of the Company. For the interviewees, professional appreciation and recognition are linked to growth and the provision of learning opportunities and rewards, such as participation in courses, mentoring and training.
"The 'Young JBS' survey provided us with valuable information, expanding our understanding of their behaviors, expectations and vision of the future. We are talking about a generation that seeks companies that offer structured paths for learning and development. This behavior shows that, more than attracting talent, the challenge for companies now is to keep them engaged in a growing journey that makes sense to them",says Fernando Meller, executive director of Human Resources at JBS Brazil.
When asked what they most admire in a leader, young people were clear: recognition for work done, followed by empathy and understanding of individual needs.
For Thaís Giuliani, a PhD in Information Sciences specializing in Generation Z, young people need to feel recognized and valued at work, but the way they see this is completely different from previous generations. “They want to be heard and have close and accessible leaders. It’s no longer about climbing a traditional career ladder. It’s about connection, purpose, exchange and the opportunity for a better future ,” she says.
This desire for connection and exchange also extends to personal purpose. According to the research, Generation Z young people prioritize personal growth combined with social contribution and want to become an inspiration in their field of work. "There is an interdependence between individual development and collective impact. Generation Z wants to grow, but they want to do it in a way that matters to the world around them", adds Thaís.
In addition to the work environment, this generation's life priorities also reveal important nuances. Family support and relationships are prominent factors. When they look to the future, they want new learning and experiences with a focus on personal and professional growth and they aim for professional stability with quality of life, reinforcing the search for balance and continuous well-being.
With approximately 40% of its employees belonging to Generation Z, JBS intends to use the results of the survey, which stands out for the unprecedented volume of responses from a company in Brazil, to further improve its actions to attract and generate opportunities, in addition to supporting its leaders in strengthening the engagement, development and retention of multigenerational teams.
JBS implements initiatives to attract and retain young talent
JBS was recognized by approximately 75% of the young people interviewed as a company that provides learning, development and professional growth. Aware of the importance of these perspectives for talent retention, the company invests in structured programs that range from business training to international career opportunities.
One of the gateways to JBS is the Evoluir Program , which offers theoretical and practical training to young people aged 18 to 23, preparing them for the demands of the business and generating opportunities for development within the company. The J&F Institute is the entity responsible for qualifying JBS's young apprentice programs – which has more than 500 students enrolled in 11 of the group's units.
JBS also invests in technical and leadership training through programs such as Germinare VET , which prepares future leaders with a focus on veterinary medicine and manufacturing processes, and the Master Production Program , which trains internal employees to advance to supervisory positions.
Tiago Silva, 27 years old, is the BI (Business Intelligence) coordinator at Friboi
For Tiago Silva, 27, BI (Business Intelligence) Coordinator at Friboi and the first student from the J&F Institute to be hired by the brand, in São Paulo, at the age of 18, the company believes in and invests in people. “From the beginning, I found leaders who inspired me, concrete opportunities for development and an environment that values attitude, continuous learning and, most importantly, the possibility of growth.”
"I started my career at JBS as an assistant and, over the years, I have grown within the company: I have held the positions of junior, full, senior and specialist analyst and, recently, I took on the role of coordinator", says the employee . "Today, I lead a team of four people and I have the honor of working with talents that came from the Germinare Tech program, an initiative of JBS. I was trained in the business-focused model, which is now called Germinare Business", he says.
Methodology and sample
The "Young JBS" survey was conducted in March 2025 and included the participation of 32,063 young employees from the Company’s units in all regions of Brazil. Participants answered a questionnaire with 22 questions, which addressed four fundamental pillars: values and objectives; relationships and communication at work; work environment and motivation; and purpose and impact. The study sought to map the perceptions, expectations and habits of this generation in relation to the corporate environment and life in general.
This is one of the main conclusions of the Aragón Pig Forum, an event organized by the Int...
Romania is taking billions of dollars out of the national economy due to the exponential increase...
The combination of a number of concrete initiatives and a significantly higher price has prompted...
