First of all, balance. GenZ focuses on work-life balance, but there are conflicts

Nearly 80 percent representatives of Generation Z mention employment stability as important when choosing a workplace. The same number of people indicate work-life balance – according to a study by SW Research, the Lewiatan Confederation and the University of Warsaw. Experts indicate that the new generation on the labor market has an advantage in the context of highly developed digital skills, but a different approach to work sometimes causes conflicts with older employees.

Big Data as a bargaining chip for young people

According to the cited study, Generation Z has digital competences desired by employers. 20 percent respondents admitted that they had skills in the area of ​​Big Data, i.e. they were able to obtain data from various sources and analyze them. In turn, 16 percent respondents have basic knowledge of digital programs and tools, and 10.1 percent – advanced.

– Generation Z, which has just entered or will be entering the labor market, is the first to grow up in digital conditions, so its digital skills are at the highest level and are certainly superior to other groups of employees. Although the experience of COVID has also improved the digital skills of the older generation, Generation Z is certainly in the lead here and in this sense it is prepared for the modern economy after technological transformation – says Prof. Newseria. Jacek Męcina, advisor to the management board of the Lewiatan Confederation and head of the Department of Labor System and Labor Market at the University of Warsaw.

Eurostat data from 2023 shows that 44 percent Poles aged 16 to 74 had at least basic digital skills, which gave us 25th place out of 27 European Union countries. Only residents of Bulgaria (36%) and Romania (28%) fared worse.

Soft skills are also important

At the same time, research by the University of Warsaw, Lewiatan and SW Research shows that young people also have soft skills sought by employers. 61.5 percent declares that they are empathetic and communicative, 58.8 percent – ability to work in a team, and 51.1 percent – ability to communicate effectively and cooperate. 28.8 percent respondents also answered that they can manage conflicts.

Another important difference between Gen Z and other generations is their attitude to work.

– Young people value work, but also the balance between work and life. Like earlier generations, they do not focus solely on professional goals and do not treat work as the only element of self-fulfillment – emphasizes Prof. Jacek Męcina.

Above all, balance and care for your private life

The priority for Generation Z in the area of ​​work is work-life balance. Almost 80 percent respondents considered it a key value when choosing an employer.

– Generation Z values ​​mental well-being more, but also needs it. Psychological support is an important benefit expected by representatives of Generation Z working in corporations, for example – emphasizes the expert from the Lewiatan Confederation.

Young people also appreciate the opportunity for professional and personal development as a non-wage benefit. Although at the stage of choosing an employer, salary was not indicated as decisive, 83 percent respondents emphasize that they expect attractive earnings. A good work atmosphere was one of the highest rated factors.

– The advantages of young people plus their quite unique position on the labor market, because in the conditions of the employee market they can choose from offers to a greater extent, make them more demanding employees. They see the value of a good reputation as an employer, and they expect not so much high salaries, but job security and remuneration. What they put first is flexibility and clarity of communication with managers, i.e. clearly set and fairly settled goals. These are the elements that, in a sense, distinguish them from older workers – explains Prof. Jacek Męcina.

Feedback and constant contact are important to them

For 82 percent representatives of Generation Z, open communication with superiors is an important factor in the work area.

– From time to time, conflicts may arise between young employees who are more focused on themselves or their digital competences and skills, and older employees. It happens that young people surf social media while working, which causes certain tensions that should be resolved by creating joint project groups – says the head of the Department of Labor System and Labor Market at the University of Warsaw.

The results of the study on Gen Z in the labor market were presented during the European Forum for New Ideas.

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