Gen Z Work Dissatisfaction: 40% Don’t Want to Go to Work
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New Zealand Workforce: Happiness stagnant, Gen Z Struggles
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Even though the overall happiness of workers remained stable throughout the past year, a recent report from Seek, a major New Zealand job website, reveals a more nuanced picture. It highlights inequalities in employee experiences, particularly across different age groups. The research indicates that Gen Z employees report the lowest levels of workplace happiness, with 40% stating they feel afraid or dread going to work each day.
Happiness of Working people ”Doesn’t Increase” and Some People are Even More Worried and are Running Out of Energy
The report indicates that 64% of workers report being happy with their work, consistent with last year’s figures. However, 12% of workers express unhappiness. Key factors driving happiness at work include:
- Meaning of work
- Clear responsibilities
- Good co-workers
- Good work-life balance
however, these positive aspects are overshadowed by growing anxieties related to job security, the rising cost of living, insufficient income, and uncertainty about career paths – all exacerbated by fluctuating economic conditions. Dissatisfaction with immediate supervisors is also a significant factor, with only 56% of respondents feeling positive about their supervisors, leaving 44% feeling negatively.
Rob Clark, Country manager for Seek, explains: “The overall happiness scores of working age people remain stable, even though the economy is tight.This is a sign of the resilience of New Zealand’s workforce. But simultaneously occurring, it reflects that ‘working adults know what is meaningful to them.'”
Clark further emphasizes that several negative feelings continue to weigh on many workers: dissatisfaction with career progression, concerns that organizations aren’t prioritizing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues, salary dissatisfaction, increased stress levels, and lower-than-expected confidence in executive leadership. These combined factors create “lingering emotions” that negatively impact employee happiness in the long run.
Why are Gen Z the Most Unhappy with Their Jobs?
Analysis of the survey results by age reveals Gen Z as the least happy demographic. while their numbers improved from last year (45% to 58%), they still score lower than othre generations. Furthermore, gen Z reports the highest levels of burnout, with emotional exhaustion being the most prevalent. 40% admitted to feeling “dreadful” at the thought of starting their workday.
Clark explains that many in this generation are just beginning their careers and are thus more sensitive to factors like career progression and finding meaningful work. This is compounded by the unique challenges faced by Gen Z, including entering the workforce during periods of economic uncertainty and navigating a rapidly changing job market.
further Analysis: Gen Z’s unhappiness may also stem from differing expectations regarding work-life balance and a greater emphasis on purpose-driven