Unlike previous generations, a well-paying job with security and benefits is no longer enough of a draw for millennials and Gen Z. In fact, many are willing to turn down jobs from employers that don't match their personal beliefs and ethics, as they are searching for jobs with meaning.

According to Deloitte's 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 86% of Gen Z and 89% of millennials surveyed said purpose-driven work is very or somewhat important to their overall job satisfaction and well-being. This finding dovetails with the younger generations' concerns about climate change. The survey also found that 46% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials have changed or plan to change jobs or industries due to climate concerns.

This desire for purpose-driven work, along with worries about the climate crisis, has affected where young people consider moving across the nation. One state that is invested in attracting top talent to help meet its sustainability goals is Michigan.

Why Michigan appeals to climate-conscious young professionals

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has invested heavily to support the creation of clean energy jobs, while setting the state on a trajectory to meet bold sustainability goals.

Michigan is already seen as a climate haven. However, the state wants to do more. Michigan has passed some of the most ambitious climate legislation in the U.S., including the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which lays out a pathway for Michigan to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2050.

Michigan is also leading the nation in clean energy growth and innovation. In fact, Michigan's clean energy job sector is growing at twice the rate of overall U.S. employment. And, according to the latest reports, the state has the most IRA-funded projects that have resulted in more than $27.84 billion in new investment and supported over 26,000 good-paying jobs, with more projected. Simply put, Michigan needs more talent in engineering, public policy, and sustainability to continue its leadership in climate innovation.

To continue to keep pace with these projects and meet Michigan's goal of 100% carbon neutrality by 2050, the state is working hard to attract leading talent who want to do purpose-driven work. To that end, Michigan has doubled down on recruiting talent from within and outside the state.

The challenge of attracting young job seekers

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, people ages 20-34 are the most mobile. Understanding how and why this age group chooses to move locations is critical to growing a state's workforce.

To find out the top factors driving millennials and Gen Zs to move, Michigan conducted national polling of 18- to 34-year-olds in 15 cities across the U.S. that are popular among young talent. When choosing a place to call home, many were looking to settle in future-focused communities, making investments in the fight against climate change. There has also been a steady year-over-year rise in searches for "green jobs," signaling sustained interest in the field, regardless of shifts in national leadership.

One way Michigan is attracting talent is through its Talent Action Team (TAT).

Launched in 2023, this first-of-its-kind program coordinates with major Michigan employers, public universities, community colleges and PK-12 education partners. The goal of TAT is to build a talent pipeline that fills jobs in the state's critical industries, including clean energy.

This, along with the Michigander Scholars and STEAM Ahead programs, demonstrates the state's commitment to not just meeting the current clean energy and sustainability job market but to meet the future needs of jobs that have yet to be created from further clean energy innovations.

Live and work in a future-focused state

For talent that wants to be at the forefront of climate action, Michigan offers purpose-driven career opportunities that help meet these desires. Not only that, but every region in Michigan offers unique career, lifestyle and recreational opportunities, from urban innovation hubs to scenic rural areas.

Watch the video "Michigan's Roadmap to a Sustainable World" and visit MichiganBusiness.org to learn more about the state's investment in clean energy and the jobs that make a future-focused state possible. You can also visit MichiganCareerPortal.org to explore over 150,000 jobs in Michigan, including those that support and are innovating the clean energy industry.