Survey Reveals 83% Of Generation Z Workers Are Job Hoppers

A comprehensive survey of Gen Z work habits

ResumeLab, a leading resource for resume advice, surveyed over 1,100 U.S.-based workers belonging to Generation Z (born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s) to examine their work expectations, demands, and habits.
 
ResumeLab’s research on Generation Z conducted in August 2023 revealed that 83% of Gen Z workers consider themselves job hoppers. Analysis of demographic differences additionally revealed that 77% of those with no degree consider themselves job-hoppers, compared to 92% of master’s degree holders. 

 

True Job Hoppers?

It seems that this information confirms commonly held beliefs about Generation Z. 

But — 78% of Gen Zers declare a two- to five-year commitment to their current employer, with no plans to change jobs. This includes:
 

• 43% of respondents who plan to stay put for two years.
• 22% of people declare they’re willing for a three-year commitment.
• 13% intend to stay four years or more with their current employer.

The research also answers another critical question. Within the span of their relatively short careers, how many jobs have Generation Z employees had already?

Number of Jobs Gen Z Had

33% of Gen Zers have only had one job, while 34% already had two. 23% proved themselves in three different workplaces, while 9% of respondents had four jobs. Just 1% have had five or more jobs. 
 

• 18% of those without a college degree and 16% of master’s degree holders had “only” one job, compared to 41% of those with a bachelor’s degree.
• 39% of women had only one job compared to 27% of men.
• 41% of respondents working in companies with 501+ employees, and 45% of those employed in firms with 201–500 workers had one job compared to 19% and 18% of people employed in smaller companies (1–10 employees and 11–50 employees, respectively). 

Job as a Part of Identity

97% of Gen Z respondents say that work is part of their identity.

It’s clear that Generation Z views work as an integral part of their identity. This is a powerful testament to this generation's evolving relationship with their careers, showing how deeply work is intertwined with their self-esteem, reflecting a shift away from more traditional views of work as a mere source of income. For Generation Z, work extends beyond the confines of the office, signaling a strong alignment between their personal values, ambitions, and the roles they choose to pursue.

In the fast-evolving landscape of modern work culture, Generation Z workers pose clear demands in the workplace. This is because they care about their well-being, mental health, and development opportunities. 

Top Generation Z Workplace Demands

• Flexible work schedules – 35%
• Healthcare packages – 31%
• Regular pay raises – 29%
• Regular development opportunities, e.g., training, courses – 29%
• Understanding of personal needs, i.e., having a life outside of work – 28%
• Remote work opportunities – 27%
• Mental health days off – 25%

Expectations of Manager/Boss

• Good decision-making abilities
• Focus on employee development and growth
• The ability to inspire and motivate
• Supporting mental health
• Respecting work-life balance

Gen Z Long-term Career Goals

• Having a good work-life balance 
• Starting their own business
• Achieving success and recognition
• Earning a salary that increases over time

Money in the Gen Z World

77% of Gen Zers will apply for a job without salary information. 

For 70%, a competitive salary is important or very important in a decision to stay with their current employer.

But money isn’t everything for Gen Z.

Factors more important than money
 

• Healthy work-life balance 73% vs. high salary 27%
• Satisfying job duties 72% vs. high salary 28% 
• A good relationship with coworkers 72% vs. high salary 28%
• A meaningful job 70% vs. high salary 30% 
• Career development 70% vs. high salary 30%

Reasons for Quitting a Job

• Working too much overtime – 41%
• Clash of values – 35%
• Feeling unhappy because of their job – 33%
• Low salary – 32%
• Bad manager/boss – 26%
• No work-life balance – 24%

Additionally, 72% would quit their job if the working environment was toxic and if their job lacked development opportunities. 71% would quit their job if it made them unhappy, while 70% would quit if it hurt their work-life balance.
 
Survey Method
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These findings were obtained by surveying 1,131 U.S. respondents online via a bespoke polling tool between August 9–10. They were asked questions about their workplace expectations and priorities. These included yes/no questions, scale-based questions relating to levels of agreement with a statement, questions that permitted the selection of multiple options from a list of potential answers, and a question that permitted open responses. All respondents included in the study passed an attention-check question.

Peter Bryla is a PR Specialist at ResumeLab