Often borne the brunt of criticism for their lack of work ethic, Gen Z is often dubbed the “laziest generation” and accused of being unprepared for the workforce. They are constantly under scrutiny for their tendency to change jobs, their desire for work-life balance, and their demand for purpose-driven careers.
But new research suggests that this reputation may not be improving anytime soon: Nearly half of Gen Z workers are considering changing jobs. The findings come from a recent survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of talent management firm isolating.
The survey, conducted between July 26 and August 6, 2024, surveyed 1,000 American HR professionals and revealed how younger employees feel about their current jobs and why so many of them are looking to change jobs.
Stock image of a man searching for a job using a computer. Newsweek discussed recent survey results with a career consultant to explain why Gen Z is considering a job change. Stock image of a man searching for a job using a computer. Newsweek discussed recent survey results with a career consultant to explain why Gen Z is considering a job change. Aree Sarak/iStock/Getty Images Plus
A new generation of job-hoppers?
Surveys show that 47% of Gen Zers (born between 1997 and 2006) are considering changing jobs. In contrast, only 22% of Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are considering the same, with over half (51%) saying they are satisfied in their current roles. These figures indicate a notable generational shift in workplace attitudes, with Gen Z showing increasing dissatisfaction that may signal even bigger changes to come.
The primary reason Gen Z workers are dissatisfied with their jobs is the significant mental and emotional stress they experience. 35% of Gen Z respondents say their job leaves them mentally and emotionally drained. Interpersonal conflict, which is inevitable in the workplace, was cited as a major stressor by 30% of respondents, closely followed by concerns about insufficient compensation (26%). Additionally, 24% feel they have limited ability to help employees, adding to their frustration.
Experts say: The pandemic’s lasting impact on Gen Z
Newsweek discussed the findings with Emily Maguire, a London-based registered career consultant with over 20 years of experience in business management and mentoring, speaker, podcast producer, host and president of the Career Development Institute, who highlighted the unique challenges Gen Z faces compared to previous generations.
She said: “Attitudes towards changing jobs vary depending on the environment and opportunity structure in which we live, the jobs available locally and our economic backgrounds, but Baby Boomers grew up in a time of growth and opportunity and tend to see work as linked to self-worth and long-term economic and employment security. Baby Boomer job-changers tend to do so out of necessity, such as retiring or changing jobs.”
“In contrast, the biggest difference between Gen Z and Baby Boomers is that Gen Z’s formative years took place during the pandemic, which means their work values were also shaped by the pandemic. They suffered interrupted education and lack of work experience, and entered the job market at a time of limited opportunities,” she added.
“They may find themselves moving from job to job without a sense of direction in their search for a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The high number of redundancies is also impacting confidence in job security, leading to increased levels of anxiety in the workplace.”
Millennials: The work-from-home generation
The survey revealed that different generations approach work-life balance differently, with millennials (born between 1981 and 1995) being the most likely to take work home with them.
Notably, 15 percent of millennial respondents admitted to working from home every night, and 33 percent admitted to working from home several times a week. However, this trend isn’t unique to millennials: 29 percent of Gen Z respondents also said they bring work home several times a week, suggesting that younger workers may have a harder time maintaining boundaries between work and their personal lives.
Emotions shared across generations
The top complaints in the workplace in 2024 include pay, feeling undervalued and struggling to maintain a work-life balance. Key findings include: The top complaints in the workplace in 2024 include pay, feeling undervalued and struggling to maintain a work-life balance. Key findings include: Talker Research/ isolved
While different generations may have different attitudes towards career changes, there is one emotion that all generations share: a sense of not being valued in the workplace. The survey found that 27% of Gen Z and Baby Boomers feel undervalued, with 26% of Millennial and Gen X workers (born between 1965 and 1980) sharing the same sentiment. This common experience points to a broader issue in workplace culture that transcends age, suggesting that companies need to reevaluate how they value and support employees of all generations.
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