A recent survey reveals that work-life balance is a top priority for 47 per cent of Generation Z professionals when considering potential employers.
The survey, conducted by Unstop—a talent engagement and hiring platform—highlighted that almost half of Gen Z workers are contemplating leaving their jobs within the next two years, largely due to dissatisfaction with work-life balance.
The report, titled "Gen Z at Workplace," draws on responses from over 5,350 Gen Z individuals and 500 HR professionals. It underscores a pressing concern among Gen Z workers: 51 per cent are currently anxious about job security, while 40 per cent are apprehensive about finding positions in their chosen fields once they enter the job market.
Despite these concerns, Gen Z demonstrates a strong focus on career development. According to the report, 77 per cent of Gen Z respondents prioritise the role or brand of a potential employer over financial compensation.
Of these, 43 per cent are particularly interested in hands-on experience and growth opportunities. Additionally, 72 per cent of Gen Z professionals view job satisfaction as more critical than salary.
The survey highlights a disconnect between Gen Z’s career motivations and the perceptions of HR professionals.
While 78 per cent of Gen Z are known to switch jobs for career advancement, 71 per cent of HR professionals mistakenly believe that financial incentives are the primary driver behind these job changes. In reality, only 25 per cent of Gen Z respondents cite better pay as their main reason for changing jobs.
Work-life balance emerges as a crucial factor for Gen Z, with 47 per cent emphasising it as a key consideration when evaluating potential employers. Gen Z professionals seek a balanced workday that allows them to complete routine tasks efficiently while also providing opportunities for skill-building and productivity without feeling overwhelmed.
The report also addresses misconceptions about Gen Z’s values. While 44 per cent of recruiters believe that Gen Z prioritises company culture over career progression, the survey reveals that the generation actually seeks a balance of both, with a strong focus on opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Further insights from the report touch on Gen Z’s reasons for switching jobs, their concerns when entering the job market, and their expectations regarding mental health and working styles.
The report challenges the traditional notion of work, presenting it as an integral part of life that should seamlessly fit into various aspects of an individual’s existence.
Ankit Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Unstop, remarked, “For the youngest generation in the workforce, work isn’t just a place you go to every day to get your account credited regularly. It has to fit into several key aspects of your life seamlessly.”
He added, “They (Gen Z) are reminding us that work should be a part of life, and not the other way around... It’s a call to action for employers and recruiters. Those employers who adapt to these fast-changing expectations will be preferred by the new generation of employees.”
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