Study shows: Generation Z wants to earn a lot immediately, with a company car and without overtime

Asap, a temporary employment agency with about forty offices in Belgium, asked eighty employers from various sectors and about a hundred Zoomers or Gen Zers who will graduate between 2024 and 2026 about their vision and attitude to work.

This shows that nine in ten young people switch employers within three years, four in ten within a year. No big surprise: previous studies confirm that young people are reluctant to quickly change jobs if the grass seems greener elsewhere.

“I would never take a job with a salary lower than 2,000 euros and without the prospect of a company car”

Sydney Sourbron

Gen Zers

“I do see myself as a job hopper,” says Sydney Sourbron (22), a social work student, specializing in personnel work. “Because this specialization is so broad, I don’t know exactly where my interests lie at the moment. So if I found a job that was more interesting or challenging, or the pay was a lot more attractive, I wouldn’t hesitate to switch.”

No overtime

When making their choice, young people emphasize job content and pay, the study also shows. Companies that focus on diversity and sustainability do not automatically have an advantage.

In addition to job content, pay and the atmosphere at work are crucial. Furthermore, young people want job security and responsibility in their job. Career opportunities and the distance to work are less important. Striking: overtime is one no go for no less than three-quarters of young people. A healthy balance between private and work is sacred.

“I am indeed not inclined to take a job where overtime is almost normal,” says Sydney Sourbron. “Unless the overtime is linked to my position. I would like a job with responsibility. If this requires extra hours, I will do so, of course subject to fair compensation.”

How high should that wage be for Gen Zers? In the study, half of the companies surveyed indicate that an average starter salary is 1,500 to 2,000 euros net. This is not enough for half of Gen Zers: they want a salary between 2,000 and 2,500 euros. One in ten expects a salary between 2,500 and 3,000 euros.

Sydney Sourbron: “Life is very expensive, so I expect at least a net salary of 2,000 euros. And after two years a company car. During a debate about work, I heard from business leaders that my expectations are unrealistic. Quite shocking, I thought. I would never take a job with a lower wage and without the prospect of a company car.”

Mental hangover

Peggy De Prins, labor sociologist and professor at the Antwerp Management School, is not surprised by the results of the study. “There is a strange paradox in the research into young people’s views on themselves early career. On the one hand, they want a meaningful, useful job, but their extrinsic motivation is the pay. It is not surprising that young people want to earn as much as possible to build up reserves to pay off their first rent or loan. But expecting a high starting salary is naive.”

“Expecting a high starting salary is naive”

Peggy De Prins

Labor sociologist

“The pay philosophy in most sectors is based on the great importance placed on seniority. As a result, starting wages are quite low. The unfortunate consequence is that young people start their careers with unrealistic expectations and quite soon after honeymoonphase with a mental hangover and dropping out. So job hopping is a thorn in the side of employers. They invest in a selection, but often make the job appear brighter than it actually is, due to the difficulties in finding talent on the labor market. That is a shame for the employer, but certainly also for the young employees who are quickly disappointed.”

Peggy De Prins advocates more support and guidance for young starters. “In general, too little time is made for this. Schools and trade unions also have a responsibility. Inform young people correctly about what they can expect in terms of salary and job content. That makes happier employers and employees.”