Gen Z Prefer to Be Jobless Than Unhappy at Work

According to a new survey, over half of employees (56%) aged 18 to 24, or Gen Z, would quit a job that stopped them from enjoying their life. 

According to the 2022 Randstad Workmonitor survey, 40% of this demographic would "rather be unemployed than unhappy working in a job they didn't like." The survey interviewed 35,000 employees in 34 markets and revealed radically altering workplace attitudes, possibly caused by the pandemic, as typified by The Great Resignation.

Younger generations aren't just discussing work/life balance and personal fulfilment. According to the survey, 40% of Gen Z and millennial respondents quit a job because it didn't mesh with their personal life, compared to 33% of those asked overall.

The report also listed the top five work objectives for employees, focusing on what will assist companies in attracting and retaining Gen Z and millennial workers (classified as those aged 18 to 24 and 25 to 34, respectively).

1. Happiness and Lifestyle

Employees want a "fulfilling work experience," or a company mentality that allows them to accommodate their work around their personal lives. Work is vital to three-quarters of Gen Z respondents, whereas just 68% of older respondents answered the same.

2. Aligning Values

Across all demographics, 43% stated they would not join a company if its social and environmental values did not coincide with their own. Similarly, 41% said they would not work for a company that did not promote workplace diversity and inclusion.

3. Employee Empowerment

Although job training and personal development are vital, employees are still looking for monetary incentives and benefits appropriate for their position. According to the poll, only 22% of employees indicated they received better perks in the previous year, such as more time off, greater healthcare, or access to more comprehensive retirement benefits. Meanwhile, 33% reported receiving a raise, training, or workplace development opportunities.

4. Job Flexibility

Per the report, approximately 75% of employees value a flexible work location, while 83% value flexible hours to assist their families. However, only about a quarter of firms currently provide both remote work and flex-time alternatives.

5. Personal and professional development

Employees expect their workplace to complement and support their development goals, just as they expect their work to fit in with their lifestyles and values. 

88% of respondents across all age categories indicated they would attend if their organisations offered learning and development programmes. 60% indicated a need for workshops or courses on how to make more money. 

According to the report, half of those polled wanted advice on establishing a better work-life balance, and 40% wanted to learn how to develop their careers. However, only 25% of employees asked indicated their job provided possibilities for training and growth.

Many of the discrepancies between what today's workers demand and what businesses provide are highlighted in the report. To offset the consequences of The Great Resignation, employers must focus on competitive compensation, employee perks and delivering what truly matters to today's newer generations and up-and-coming workers.

Source: Yahoo Finance