If you thought emojis and reels were just for fun, think again. For India’s Gen Z, visuals aren’t just about expressing themselves online, they see them as the key to future-proofing their careers.
A new report by Canva, in partnership with The Harris Poll and Neuro-Insight, has found that over 90 per cent of Gen Z professionals in India believe visual communication skills are essential for their careers. What’s more, 69 per cent say companies should adopt a “visual-first” approach to stay relevant in a changing world of work.
Why visuals matter so much
According to the findings, 94 per cent of Gen Zs in India believe they do their best work visually. Neuroscience backs this up too, our brains are hardwired to process and retain visual information more effectively than long paragraphs of text. Yet, despite this, only 22 per cent of organisations globally call themselves “design-led.” This disconnect, Canva notes, creates friction, slows productivity, and leaves younger workers frustrated.
Enter AI into the mix
It’s not just about colours and graphics. Nearly 78 per cent of Gen Z respondents in India said they want their companies to encourage experimentation with AI in visual workflows. For them, tools like AI-driven design aren’t threats but opportunities to make creativity faster, sharper, and more impactful.
The generation gap at work
Today’s offices are melting pots of four generations, each with its own communication style. While older colleagues may prefer traditional emails and long reports, Gen Z thrives on infographics, dashboards, and visual storytelling. This clash of approaches, the report suggests, is one reason behind growing inefficiencies in workplaces.
What companies can do
Leaders who embrace this visual-first culture may have an edge. Encouraging creative freedom, supporting AI-enabled tools, and recognising the value of design-led workflows could not only improve productivity but also help attract and retain Gen Z talent. After all, the future of work might just look less like a word document, and more like a Canva board.
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A new report by Canva, in partnership with The Harris Poll and Neuro-Insight, has found that over 90 per cent of Gen Z professionals in India believe visual communication skills are essential for their careers. What’s more, 69 per cent say companies should adopt a “visual-first” approach to stay relevant in a changing world of work.
Why visuals matter so much
According to the findings, 94 per cent of Gen Zs in India believe they do their best work visually. Neuroscience backs this up too, our brains are hardwired to process and retain visual information more effectively than long paragraphs of text. Yet, despite this, only 22 per cent of organisations globally call themselves “design-led.” This disconnect, Canva notes, creates friction, slows productivity, and leaves younger workers frustrated.Enter AI into the mix
It’s not just about colours and graphics. Nearly 78 per cent of Gen Z respondents in India said they want their companies to encourage experimentation with AI in visual workflows. For them, tools like AI-driven design aren’t threats but opportunities to make creativity faster, sharper, and more impactful.The generation gap at work
Today’s offices are melting pots of four generations, each with its own communication style. While older colleagues may prefer traditional emails and long reports, Gen Z thrives on infographics, dashboards, and visual storytelling. This clash of approaches, the report suggests, is one reason behind growing inefficiencies in workplaces.What companies can do
Leaders who embrace this visual-first culture may have an edge. Encouraging creative freedom, supporting AI-enabled tools, and recognising the value of design-led workflows could not only improve productivity but also help attract and retain Gen Z talent. After all, the future of work might just look less like a word document, and more like a Canva board.Inputs from agencies
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