A new study shows that young Generation Z employees are no longer willing to be fobbed off so easily—half of them are already planning to change jobs. Companies will have to adapt in the future.
- Almost half of Gen Z employees want to change jobs
- There are many reasons for this, with career advancement opportunities playing a particularly important role
- Companies will have to restructure in the future
At first glance, Gen Z seems to be a generation full of contradictions: according to a study by ManpowerGroup Deutschland GmbH, young employees value job security, but at the same time, almost half are already planning to quit and move on to their next job. Judging by the study, companies may have to switch to more flexible models in the future.
Security and flexibility – the pillars of young employees
By 2030, Generation Z is expected to make up around a third of the global workforce. However, according to the study, most of them already see themselves leaving their current employer. Around 46 percent of Gen Z employees in Germany are planning to jump ship. Their willingness to change jobs is higher than that of any other generation of employees. Millennials are less willing to change jobs, at 41 percent, and only 22 percent of Generation X would quit their current job. Baby boomers are more likely to stay with their company, with only 16 percent wanting to change employers. Nevertheless, around 70 percent of those surveyed say that job security is a decisive factor for them. Here we show you which factors are important to Gen Z when choosing a new job.
Gen Z is afraid of being replaced by AI
But why do so many young employees want to change their working environment? One reason may be that Gen Z expects their work to be meaningful. Around 86 percent of those surveyed said they want a job that gives them a sense of purpose. However, this job must not be done by AI, as around 59 percent are afraid of being replaced by automation and therefore tend to gravitate toward manual tasks where this is unlikely to happen. This is also making skilled trades somewhat more popular among the younger generation again. Of course, salary always plays a role when planning a change – you can find an overview of the best and worst-paid jobs for young professionals here.
Companies need to change their structures
Another common reason for planning a change is the often rigid, outdated structures in companies that make advancement difficult. Gen Z is hungry for opportunities to develop and flourish in their careers. According to the study, companies should strive for more flexible models in the future that provide security while also leaving room for the development of young talent. Hybrid structures and opportunities to respond to and support young employees on an individual basis are also particularly important. Companies have a particular responsibility here to prepare future managers for their positions.
