New research by Fiverr reveals that majority shun traditional 9-5 employment in favour of flexible hours and the opportunity to be their own boss.
The top three priorities for UK Gen Z when choosing are flexible working hours (44%), a positive and friendly work culture (35%), and the ability to build skills (34%).
Surprisingly, one of the least popular considerations was remote work, with only 24 percent saying that a remote work offering would sway them towards a particular job.
The findings show that UK Gen Z care less about where they work, and more about having control over when they work – rather than being confined to a 9-5 job, or a 5 day week, for example.
Re-writing the rules of work
The findings of this survey point to a generation that does not subscribe to the traditional 9-5, full-time career. Nearly half (49%) say their ultimate career goal is to be financially comfortable, but a ‘traditional’ job is not viewed as the only way to achieve this. In fact, 39 percent of respondents say they believe a fulfilling job can be achieved in a full time or freelance role, with or without a university degree.
Almost a third (32%) of UK Gen Z say their work ethic is determined by passion, and one in five (20%) say they ‘live to work’, not ‘work to live.’
The self-employed generation
UK Gen Z present as a generation that are motivated by being their own boss. Also, 36 percent say their ultimate goal is to own their own business or freelance, and 22 percent say a top career consideration is to be independent and driven. As a result, many are choosing a freelance or self-employed career path.
Many view freelancing or self-employment as a viable option in the current economic environment. Also, 38 percent view freelancing as a good way to make money during rising inflation, and 28 percent note that freelancing gives people the ability to change their rates in line with fluctuating living costs. Also, 27 percent say they will consider freelancing if they are impacted by layoffs, although 31 percent express concern that freelancing full time in the current environment may not be a stable enough career.
“As the latest generation to enter the workforce, Gen Z is at the forefront of the latest trends transforming the world of work. Amid an economic downturn and a rapidly shifting labour market, we’re seeing Gen Z continue to prioritize flexibility and passion-driven work, making freelance careers an increasingly appealing option,” said Gali Arnon, CMO of Fiverr. “As we’ve observed in the growing community of Gen Z freelancers on Fiverr, the autonomy freelancing affords serves as a major draw for a generation eager to pursue their passions, hone their skills, and have more control over their earnings and career trajectory.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
