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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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Often at the brunt of criticism for their perceived lack of work ethic, Gen Z is frequently labeled as the "laziest generation" and accused of being unprepared for the workforce. They face constant scrutiny for their job-hopping tendencies, desire for work-life balance, and demand for purpose-driven careers.
A new survey, however, suggests that this reputation may not improve anytime soon: nearly half of Gen Z workers are considering a career change. This revelation comes from a recent survey conducted by Talker Research, commissioned by the human capital management company isolved.
The survey, conducted between July 26 and August 6, 2024, sampled 1,000 American HR professionals and shed light on how younger employees feel about their current jobs—and why so many are ready to jump ship.
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A New Generation of Job-Hoppers?
According to the survey, 47 percent of Gen Z participants (born between 1997 and 2006) are considering a career change. In stark contrast, only 22 percent of Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are contemplating the same, with more than half (51 percent) feeling content in their current roles. These numbers suggest a marked generational shift in workplace attitudes, with Gen Z expressing a growing dissatisfaction that may signal broader changes ahead.
The top reasons Gen Z workers are unhappy with their jobs point to significant mental and emotional strain. A striking 35 percent of Gen Z participants reported feeling mentally and emotionally drained by their work. Interpersonal conflict—often considered a workplace inevitability—was cited as a significant stressor by 30 percent of respondents, followed closely by concerns about inadequate compensation (26 percent). Furthermore, 24 percent feel restricted in their ability to help employees, adding another layer of frustration.
Expert Insight: The Pandemic's Lasting Impact on Gen Z
Newsweek discussed the findings with Emily Maguire, a registered career consultant based in London with over 20 years of experience in business management and mentoring. Maguire, who is also a speaker, podcast producer, host, and Career Development Institute representative, highlighted the distinct challenges Gen Z faces compared to their older counterparts.
She said: "Whilst attitudes toward job change differ depending on situational and opportunity structures we live in, the jobs available in our area and economic backgrounds, Boomers grew up in a time of increased growth and opportunity and tend to see work as attached to self-worth and long-term financial and job security. Their job changers tend to be driven by necessity, such as retirement or company changes."
"In contrast, the biggest difference between Gen Z and Boomers is that Gen Z's formative education years took place during the pandemic. This meant that Gen Z's work values were also shaped by the pandemic. They suffered from educational disruptions and a lack of work experience and entered the job market in a period of limited opportunities," she added.
"Looking for a sense of purpose and fulfillment, they can find themselves jumping from job to job without a sense of direction. The high number of layoffs has also affected their ability to trust the security of employment, leading to higher levels of workplace anxiety."
Millennials: The Generation Taking Work Home
The survey highlighted how different generations approach work-life balance, with Millennials (born between 1981 and 1995) leading the pack in taking work home.
A notable 15 percent of Millennial participants admitted to working from home every night, while 33 percent did so a few nights per week. This trend wasn't exclusive to Millennials, however; 29 percent of Gen Z participants also reported taking work home a few nights per week, suggesting that younger workers might be struggling to maintain boundaries between their professional and personal lives.
A Shared Sentiment Across Generations
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Despite their differing attitudes toward career changes, one feeling binds all generations: a sense of being unappreciated at work. The survey found that 27 percent of both Gen Z and Boomers feel undervalued, a sentiment closely mirrored by 26 percent of Millennials and Gen X workers (born between 1965 and 1980). This shared experience points to a broader issue within workplace culture that transcends age, suggesting that companies may need to reevaluate how they recognize and support their employees across all generations.
Have you had a workplace dilemma? Let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
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