Ryan FowlerOne of the UK’s leading employers, Admiral, has released a report highlighting a generational shift in job preferences, with 75% of 18-27-year-olds favouring stable, long-term employment over job-hopping.
According to the research, nearly nine out of 10 Gen Z workers (88%) prioritise finding a single employer that can provide both financial security and a sense of belonging. The study also found that the average Gen Z employee now expects to remain in the same job for seven years—double the 3.5-year average tenure reported by official statistics.
While previous generations, particularly millennials, were more likely to switch jobs for pay increases, this trend appears to be reversing among younger workers. Thirty percent of millennials report changing jobs frequently to secure better pay, but Gen Z places greater value on stability, with 57% believing that staying with a single employer offers more long-term financial benefits. Additionally, 70% expressed a desire to stay with an employer for an extended period, focusing on career development rather than short-term financial gains.
Matt Wintle, head of talent acquisition and development at Admiral, emphasised the company’s commitment to providing long-term career paths, saying: “An employer for life, a place where you can move around within a business or between our businesses, develop and take on many roles within your career, is something we’ve created at Admiral through our culture from day one.”
The report also sheds light on broader trends shaping workplace preferences. Nearly 17% of Gen Z respondents cited economic and political uncertainty as key reasons for seeking long-term employment. Additionally, 50% noted that cultural shifts towards a better work-life balance influenced their job choices. Gen Z workers were found to prioritise financial stability over job purpose, with 55% choosing stability as their primary motivator when job hunting.
In contrast, millennials were more likely to prioritise work-life balance and mental health support over traditional career advancement, with 52% placing greater importance on flexible working conditions. Baby boomers, meanwhile, valued employer loyalty and integrity, with 40% stating that no major life event had ever driven them to seek greater job stability.
Admiral, recognised as one of the best UK employers by the Great Place to Work Institute for 23 consecutive years, continues to invest in employee satisfaction and development. Currently, 27% of Admiral’s UK workforce has been with the company for over a decade, and the average employee tenure is seven years. The company also offers an innovative share scheme that allows staff to own part of the business, with up to £3,600 worth of free shares allocated annually.
Gen Z career expert Shoshanna Davis, founder of Fairy Job Mother, commented: “If young people are given the right support, clear paths for progression and rewarded fairly, they’re far more likely to stay with an employer for the long term. Job-hopping often stems from a lack of these opportunities and a feeling of stagnation. In today’s economic climate, the stability of a supportive workplace can make a huge difference, offering not just financial security but also a sense of purpose and belonging.”
