The high rates of job turnover among young Europeans from Generation Z (born between 1996 and 2010) are both a reality and a warning, according to a recent report by the global talent company Randstad.
Among all generations, Generation Z employees are the quickest to switch jobs, averaging just 1.1 years in a role during their first five years in the workforce, as noted by Euronews.
In contrast, the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) have the longest tenure with an average of 2.9 years, followed closely by Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) at 2.8 years, and Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) at 1.8 years.
The Polish youth from Generation Z demonstrate the most impatience regarding jobs, with 41% planning to resign within a year. Italians and Dutch youth follow, with 37% expressing similar intentions.
Randstad suggests that while employers might interpret this behavior as a lack of loyalty, it actually reflects unmet expectations and a strong desire for advancement.
Globally, Japanese youth from Generation Z show the greatest loyalty toward their employers, being the least likely to leave their jobs within a year (22%) and expressing a strong interest in remaining in their positions indefinitely.
Increased Competition
While job opportunities requiring six or more years of experience are starting to show signs of recovery, the job market has become increasingly competitive for Generation Z over the past year and a half.
An analysis of 126 million job advertisements revealed a 29% overall decline in entry-level positions, with significant drops in sectors such as technology (35%) and finance (24%).
Randstad attributes this decline to the rising automation through artificial intelligence and other digital technologies. Conversely, the healthcare sector is one of the few areas defying this trend.
Entry-level job opportunities in healthcare have increased by 13%. Randstad indicated that the need for roles such as caregivers and technicians, including nurses and radiology technicians, has resulted in a strong or recovering demand for entry-level positions. The demand for entry-level radiology technicians has surged by more than 100%.
Practical Choices
In light of a shrinking job market and financial pressures, some young individuals are adapting to these circumstances with practical and realistic choices. Three out of five say they would accept a job that does not align with their values if the salary and benefits are strong, but this comes at a cost.
Generation Z is the least likely to express that their job aligns with their dream career, with 56% feeling this way compared to 63% of Baby Boomers. Additionally, 37% express regret about their chosen career path.
A total of 54% of Generation Z members are currently seeking other job opportunities. The technology sector appears to be the primary destination for those looking to make a change. The report highlights that for every 100 Generation Z workers leaving different fields, 70 are moving into technology.
However, career change may not be the only option, as full-time work remains the preferred choice (24%), but some alternatives are gaining popularity.
For instance, 20% of Generation Z are interested in obtaining a side job in addition to full-time employment, while 10% prefer to balance part-time work with additional roles, and 9% opt for multiple part-time jobs.
Randstad notes that the shortage of entry-level positions could also explain why Generation Z is less likely to work in a traditional full-time role compared to the global average (45% versus 51%).
Artificial Intelligence
Generation Z is familiar with artificial intelligence, yet they also harbor concerns about this technology and its potential implications. Approximately 55% use AI at work, a percentage that exceeds the global average. At the same time, 46% express anxiety about its long-term effects on the job market, a substantial increase from 6% in 2024.
Globally, Indians are the most frequent users of AI at work among Generation Z (83%), followed by Brazilians (74%) and Spaniards (64%). Meanwhile, Japanese youth are the most skeptical, with only 42% reporting AI usage in their jobs.
Randstad points out that Generation Z’s enthusiasm for AI and technology positions them well to meet the growing market demand for technical and data skills. Our research indicates a significant prevalence of in-demand skills among Generation Z, such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, big data, and programming.
1.1
Years of average employment duration in a job during the first five years of their careers.
54%
Of Generation Z are currently seeking new job opportunities.