You may recall the quote about being individual in the Monty Python Film “Life of Brian” but the concept of individualism has been around for centuries. In the 5th century BC Socrates and Plato contributed to the development of the idea of self-awareness and individuality.

So, what is individualism? It’s the concept that personal independence and self-expression are valued over collective goals and it has been a growing trend, particularly among younger generations. Is this something to be concerned about, or is it simply a reflection of how our society is evolving?

A survey by Ipsos MORI in 2021 found that 60% of Gen Z and Millennials prioritize personal fulfilment over traditional societal expectations. In contrast, only 35% of Baby Boomers held the same views, showing growing preference for self-expression, work-life balance, and flexible career paths.

Older generations are often accused of calling younger ones of being too individualistic but perhaps this trend is actually driven more by societal changes than by personal traits. The rise of technology and social media may be encouraging these shifts across all age groups, albeit more noticeably in the younger generation.

This is having an impact on the workplace with the rise of individualism leading to some people prioritizing their own needs over collaboration. This could be a contributing factor to higher turnover rates as employees seek roles that better align with their personal goals.

On the flip side, individualism can fuel creativity and innovation, as people bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the table. While individualism brings both challenges and opportunities, organisations need to adapt by fostering environments that balance personal autonomy with team-oriented goals.

I believe we are all becoming more individualistic – it’s a sign of our evolving society. Are we all are becoming more individualistic or is it just our younger generations?