As the Canadian economy shows tentative signs of recovery, the effects of the financial crisis linger in older workers' RSPs - and in younger workers' anxieties. A new survey of 18-to-25-year-old Canadians shows that 70 per cent are concerned about losing leadership opportunities as their older colleagues delay retirement.

The Angus Reid survey, conducted for RSM Richter, one of Canada's largest independent accounting and business advisory firms, also shows that young employees want younger leaders and value vision over experience and charisma. RSM Richter decided to conduct the survey after making its own transition to a new generation of management.

When asked to identify the ideal leadership age, 93 per cent of respondents provided an age range under 50, with 64 per cent saying their ideal leader is under 40. Overall, 54 per cent believe age is important when it comes to leading a company, with men believing it is more important than women.

Across Canada, 40 per cent of young adults believe vision is the most important quality of business leadership. Another 33 per cent value experience most, while 21 per cent want charisma from their leaders.