Third Zenjob study on Generation Z published

The third GenZ study by Zenjob sheds light on how the economic challenges are affecting the job preferences of young employees. Job security and a good salary are gaining in importance, while work-life balance and flexibility remain key issues

Berlin, June 17, 2024 - Zenjob, an online marketplace for temporary part-time jobs, has published its third study on Generation Z (GenZ). This study examines the expectations and needs of young workers born between 1997 and 2012. It focuses on the impact of the current economic crisis on the priorities of this generation.

Change in priorities

The study shows that GenZ is placing increasing value on job security and a good salary. While soft factors such as work-life balance and flexibility continue to be important, hard criteria are becoming more important in difficult economic times. For example, 52% of respondents state that job security is very important to them. A good salary is by far the most important job preference.

Work-life balance and flexibility

GenZ is divided in its attitude towards work-life balance. While 65% of respondents want to keep their professional and private lives clearly separate, 44% have no problem with being available for their employers even when they are on vacation. Autonomy and self-organization are also important aspects for GenZ. 75% of those surveyed would like to organize their working hours themselves, although 58% state that they are not always able to do so.

Values and company preferences

GenZ attaches great importance to honesty, open communication and the opportunity for further training. Diversity, flat hierarchies and company parties are less important. Compared to the last study, the importance of a good salary has increased significantly. This shows that the recession and inflation have left their mark.

The ranking of job preferences is as follows:

1. Good salary
2. Career opportunities
3. Honesty and open communication
4. Opportunity for further training and professional development
5. Openness to new ideas and concepts
6. Social commitment
7. Diversity in the workforce
8. Flat hierarchies
9. Regular company celebrations

Employer preferences

The study shows that GenZ prefers larger, established companies (corporates) to start-ups. 52% of international talents can imagine working in a startup, compared to only 29% of German-speaking talents. The preference for security and stability is clearly noticeable in this generation.

No clear preference for the four-day week

Although the introduction of the four-day week is widely discussed, there is no clear approval among GenZ. 38% of respondents are in favor of this working time arrangement, while 38% prefer the continuation of a 35-hour week and 23% prefer part-time employment of less than 35 hours.

Conclusion

Our study shows that attitudes and values are paramount for the employees of tomorrow. They want their employer to live these values and give them room for personal growth and participation. In difficult economic times, however, GenZ attaches more importance to hard factors such as salary and job security.

Frederik Fahning, co-founder and board member of Zenjob

The survey was conducted in early May 2024 and covers 1,141 GenZ representatives in Germany, including both German-speaking and international talent. The results provide important insights into the changing priorities of this generation and the challenges employers face. Further information and the links to Zenjob can be found on the corresponding Startbase profile.