According to Deloitte research, a good work-life balance is the primary reason Gen Z and Millennial workers choose their current jobs.
It is followed by flexible hours and reduced workweeks.
The study shows young workers prioritize a balanced life over high salaries, although inadequate pay remains the top reason for leaving previous jobs.
More than half of both generations work fully on-site, with 27 percent engaged in hybrid work. Among Gen Z, 21 percent work remotely, compared to 17 percent of Millennials.
Gary Notley, a partner at Deloitte Ireland, said: “Gen Z and Millennials need a sense of purpose to feel happy at work, and their top priority is a good work/life balance.”
Despite the emphasis on work/life balance, the cost of living is a significant concern for over two-thirds of Millennials and more than a quarter of Gen Z in Ireland.
The Deloitte survey, which included 23,000 participants across 44 countries, found that these concerns are more prevalent in Ireland than in other countries.
The survey classified Gen Z as individuals born between January 1995 and December 2005 (ages 18 to 29) and Millennials as those born between January 1983 and December 1994 (ages 29 to 41).
Irish respondents were more pessimistic about the economic situation than their global counterparts.
The study shows young workers prioritize a balanced life over high salaries, although inadequate pay remains the top reason for leaving previous jobs
Only 21 percent of Irish Gen Z and 12 percent of Irish Millennials believe the economy will improve, compared to 32 percent of Gen Z and 31 percent of Millennials globally.
Notley said: “Cost of living remains a key concern for both generations, but they are also worried about mental health, climate change, returning to the office, and generative AI (GenAI).
“For many Gen Z workers, post-Covid was their first experience working on-site, presenting unique challenges in navigating office culture.
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The survey revealed mixed effects of return-to-office policies, with Gen Z workers reporting better routines and engagement when working in the office.
Regarding generative AI, 23 percent of Irish Gen Z use it frequently at work, compared to 12 percent of Millennials.
42 percent of Gen Z women were uncertain about GenAI, compared to 21 percent of Gen Z men. The trend reversed among Millennials, with more men uncertain than women.
Notley said: “AI is now mainstream, and its potential impact continues to be debated.
“More than half of Gen Zs and Millennials believe AI will lead to job elimination.”
