Indolent? Not at all, because according to a study, "Gen Z", which is often seen as unmotivated, is very willing to work. The only important thing is that the salary is right.
Too high expectations of the employer and, in contrast, hardly any commitment in the job itself and a quick dismissal, in case of problems - these are typical prejudices that young adults are allowed to listen to with regard to the work mentality. However, a recent Yougov study, in which 2,500 people between the ages of 16 and 28 were surveyed, shows a completely different picture: More than half (52 percent) of all participants would like to have a classic career on the job and almost 60 percent would even stay in a company for more than ten years – at least if the working conditions are right.
Gen Z: Willing to do hard work, but at what cost?
One of the conditions for an attractive working environment is, for example, a healthy balance between work and leisure time, according to the survey, according to 35 percent of respondents. However, 80 percent find a satisfactory salary even more important. At this point, the study makes it clear that financial issues are an essential issue for most young people. On the other hand, other factors, such as overtime, could be discussed.
Many young people seem undecided when it comes to choosing a career, but there are so many options, right? (Symbolic image) © Wavebreak Media Ltd/Imago
By the way: Before applying, job seekers should always find out about the salary paid for the position in their region.
Overwhelmed to hopeless – this is what the entry into the world of work really looks like
The fact that respondents focus so much on salary, i.e. basically financial security, is also due to the (ongoing) crises, such as the climate crisis and the consequences of the Corona pandemic. There is a high sense of insecurity among the younger generations. According to Yougov, more than 25 percent of all study participants feel mentally overwhelmed when entering the world of work. For this reason, young people in particular want not only a good starting salary, but also a stable and secure professional environment. Most respondents would prefer this to a constant job change. "Against the backdrop of the current difficult economic situation, Gen Z wants one thing above all else when they start their careers: stability," says Barbara Wittmann of the Jopportal Linkedin, which commissioned the study.
Attractive labour market: Where the hurdles could lie
The current situation on the labour market looks good. There are numerous offers in a wide variety of areas. But this is where the next hurdle awaits "Gen Z": This oversupply of jobs overwhelms and unsettles some of the young job seekers – the choice is too difficult (a career counsellor could provide assistance here). The study also revealed something that could contribute to the general uncertainty: confusion when going through the (often complicatedly written) job advertisements. According to Yougov, nearly 60 percent of respondents want simple, easy-to-understand job descriptions.
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In addition, half of the respondents lacked transparency in terms of salaries and promotion opportunities, and the requirements of the advertised position are also perceived as too high by many participants. If companies do not make improvements here, they will face a problem in the near future. "In just two years, Gen Z will make up a third of the workforce in many countries. Companies urgently need to adapt to the needs and attitudes of this generation – also in view of the shortage of skilled workers," says Barbara Wittman.