Panel: Poland of My Dreams – A Debate on the Aspirations, Expectations, and Plans of Generation Z

On April 15, as part of the European Forum of New Ideas, a panel titled “Poland of My Dreams – A Debate on the Aspirations, Expectations, and Plans of Generation Z” was held, prepared and moderated by Professor Jacek Męcina.

The panel began with a presentation of research findings conducted by Professor Jacek Męcina’s team in March of this year – the results were presented, among others, by Dr. Marta Seredyńska. What do they reveal?

🔹 Security and stability – these remain the foundation. Young people want stable employment and predictable living conditions.
🔹 Work flexibility – the hybrid model is becoming the standard, and work-life balance is a real expectation, not a “benefit.”
🔹 Development and change – Generation Z assumes they will change career paths and continuously develop their competencies.
🔹 Work on their own terms – loyalty to employers is not disappearing, but it is changing its form.
🔹 Family – yes, but conditionally – life decisions are strongly linked to financial stability and access to public services (e.g., healthcare or housing).
🔹 Openness and agency – young people want to have influence, participate in debate, and co-decide on the directions of change.

These conclusions became the starting point for further discussion with representatives of Warsaw universities, including our students: Zu Bochniarz, Wiktoria Nowak, and Tatiana Wieczorek.

The discussion was also joined by Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, Minister of Family, Labour, and Social Policy, who addressed the issues raised during the panel.