37% of Gen Z Are Considering Leaving Their Jobs

A recent survey shows that 37% of Generation Z employees are considering leaving their current jobs. This growing trend highlights concerns among young professionals about burnout, limited career growth, poor work-life balance, and lack of purpose in their roles. As Gen Z becomes a larger part of the workforce, employers may need to rethink workplace culture, flexibility, and development opportunities to retain top talent and address the evolving expectations of this new generation.

A recent study suggests a significant portion of young people in the UK may be disengaging from the workforce, with 37% of Gen Z workers having seriously thought about quitting their jobs in the past year. PwC has cautioned that economic inactivity may rise once more, pointing out that 4.4 million individuals - about 10% of the UK’s labor force - are close to exiting employment altogether.

The study gathered responses from 4,000 UK adults aged 18 to 64, along with a separate survey of 311 business executives. It was found that workers aged 18 to 24 are particularly vulnerable, with mental health concerns playing a central role. In this age group, 37% had contemplated quitting their roles within the past year, and 40% were more likely than older generations to attribute their decision to mental health challenges.

PwC also highlighted that employers are often hesitant to hire individuals with extended gaps in employment, citing lack of current skills and experience as key issues. From October to December 2024, youth unemployment reached 14.8%, a rise from 11.9% the previous year, with more than three million people aged 16 to 24 classified as economically inactive, according to national statistics.

The overall unemployment rate in the UK stood at 4.4%. PwC reported that since the pandemic, the UK has experienced a notable and persistent increase in economic inactivity among those under 35, with many citing chronic health issues as the reason for being out of work. They also noted that the UK is unique among G7 nations in having fewer people in employment now than before the pandemic.

This report comes ahead of an announcement expected from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall on proposed changes to welfare programs. The government plans to tighten the rules for claiming Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The Institute for Fiscal Studies has stated that over half of the rise in disability claims among working-age people since the pandemic is linked to mental or behavioral health conditions.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has suggested there may be an issue of “overdiagnosis” in mental health, implying that too many people are being deemed unfit for work. He argued that mental health exists on a spectrum and that a more balanced approach is needed, as too many individuals are being excluded from the workforce unnecessarily.

For questions or comments write to contactus@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: independent‍