MORE than three quarters of so-called Gen Zs and millennials in the UK say they would consider looking for a new job if their employer asked them to go into their workplace full-time.
And in survey for business advisers Deloitte, the cost-of-living crisis remains the single top concern for respondents.
Deloitte's Gen Z and Millennial Survey, now in its 12th year, gathers insights from more than 22,000 people in 44 countries, and this year focused heavily on workplace issues.
In the UK, 77 per cent of Gen Zs (those aged between eight and 23 years old) and 71 per cent of millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) say they'd move jobs if forced back into their workplace full-time.
At the same time UK respondents feel they are less likely to be able to ask for more flexibility at work if the economy doesn’t improve (72 per cent of Gen Zs and 68 per cent of millennials globally versus 46 per cent and 42 per cent respectively in the UK).
In addition, respondents report that they are struggling to disconnect from work, with 25 per cent of UK millennials saying that they answer work emails outside of normal working hours at least five days a week.
Kate Sweeney, partner and human capital lead at Deloitte, said: “We know the first question recruiters are asked by job applicants is about hybrid working arrangements – and that work patterns are a major influence in their choice of employer. Younger workers expect to be able to flex their work to accommodate their personal life.
“Employers who recognise this desire for choice and support this are more likely to attract, retain and motivate the best talent from these two generations.”
The cost-of-living crisis remains the top concern for more than half of UK respondents, and nearly half of Gen Zs (48 per cent) and over half of millennials (55 per cent) say they live pay-day to pay-day and worry that their monthly income will not be able to cover all their expenses.
To make ends meet, 42 per cent of Gen Zs have taken on a side hustle, compared to just over a quarter of millennials, and value remote working because it helps them save money.
The study also found that 65 per cent of UK Gen Zs and 55 per cent of millennials think the economy will worsen or stay the same in their country over the next year.
And their economic concerns are also impacting their ability to plan for their future as they postpone big life decisions like buying a house or starting a family, and adopting behaviours that save money, such as insulating their homes, buying second-hand clothes or not driving a car.
