The Humanitas University in Sosnowiec (in Silesia in southern Poland) has published a new study entitled "Generation Z in the Job Market".
There has been widespread discussion of the shifts in values of so-called "Generation Z". For example, on April 5, Disney will release a new documentary where Pope Francis will talk to representatives of Gen Z about issues that are particularly important to them like LGBTQ rights, feminism and even clergy abuse:
Members of Gen Z are those born between 1997 and 2012, preceded by Millennials (1981-1996) in turn preceded by Generation X (1965-1980), who are in turn preceded by the post-war Baby Boomers (1946-1964).
A recent YouGov survey found that these terms are by no means universally known. Only Gen Z can correctly self-identify themselves more than 50% of the time:
The new Polish Survey from Humanitas University has turned its focus to the labour market. The report concludes that for Gen Z work and career are not ends in themselves, they are means to an end. That end is what Gen Z refers to as "life" as in "work-life balance" - their passions, hobbies, family life.
These priorities are reflected in the detailed statistics provided by the new survey:
- Career development and financial security were only mentioned as highest values by 11 and 16% of respondents respectively
- Happiness was chosen by 62% as the highest value
- Family - 60%
- Realising passions/hobbies - 56%
- Ecology - 51%
The qualities Gen Z seeks in a potential employer (highly significant in times of labour shortage) also reflect more "idealistic" values:
- 75% of respondents mentioned the "possibility of combining work and leisure" as a key attribute of a good job.
- Attractive remuneration was "only" mentioned by 67%
The following features of a good potential employer were also "on the podium":
- Flexible working hours - mentioned by 65%
- Creative or innovative work - 57%
- A pleasant work atmosphere - 51%
Sources: humanitas.edu.pl, PAP, Twitter/YouGov, Twitter/EWTNVatican
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