Age Gap & Job Satisfaction: New Survey Data
- A recent survey indicates a growing divide in job satisfaction across generations.
- The January survey revealed that 72.4% of respondents 55 and older rated thier job satisfaction as high (4 or 5 on a 5-point scale).In contrast, only 57.4% of...
- The survey also highlighted that older workers saw improvements in various aspects of their jobs, from performance reviews to their daily commute.
A stark divide in job satisfaction has emerged in 2025, according to new data. While older workers report rising satisfaction, those aged 18-24 are experiencing a decline, creating a significant gap in worker satisfaction across generations. The Conference Board survey shows a 15-percentage-point difference in employee engagement between the youngest and oldest employees.Older workers now see improvements in performance reviews and commutes, setting them further apart from their younger colleagues. This trend presents challenges for companies striving to engage early-career talent. News Directory 3 offers insights into these evolving trends. Discover what’s next for personalized strategies to boost younger workers’ satisfaction.
Job Satisfaction Gap Widens Between Young and Older Workers
Updated June 12,2025
A recent survey indicates a growing divide in job satisfaction across generations. While most age groups experienced increased satisfaction in 2025, workers aged 18-24 reported a decline. This resulted in a 15-percentage-point difference in worker satisfaction between the youngest and oldest generations, according to The Conference Board survey of 1,734 employed U.S. workers.
The January survey revealed that 72.4% of respondents 55 and older rated thier job satisfaction as high (4 or 5 on a 5-point scale).In contrast, only 57.4% of 18-24-year-olds reported similar levels of employee engagement.This gap has widened as 2021, when a 14-percentage-point difference was observed.
The survey also highlighted that older workers saw improvements in various aspects of their jobs, from performance reviews to their daily commute. The 18-24 age group was the only one to experience a decline in overall job satisfaction since the last survey in 2023.
“This year’s results reveal a widening generational divide in how happy workers are in their jobs,” said Allan Schweyer, principal researcher, human capital at the Board. “While mid- and late-career workers are reaping the benefits of improved leadership,manageable workloads and meaningful work,younger workers are still searching for the right culture fit. This highlights a need for more personalized strategies to engage early-career talent.”
What’s next
The survey suggests a need for companies to focus on personalized strategies to improve job satisfaction and employee engagement among younger workers. Addressing the specific needs and expectations of early-career talent may help bridge the generational divide.