Zarah ChoudharyA third (34%) of Gen Z respondents admit to ‘career catfishing’, where individuals accept a job offer but fail to show up on their first day, according to research by CV Genius.
The survey polled 1,000 British workers across various industries, roles, and age groups.
Millennials reported similar behaviour, with 24% acknowledging the practice, compared to 11% of Gen X and 7% of Baby Boomers.
The survey also found that 66% of remote and hybrid workers would leave their jobs if forced to return to the office full-time.
Of these, 5% said they would quit immediately, while 30% would return but begin actively searching for a new role.
In addition, 53% of workers stated they would choose remote work even if it meant no chance of promotion, and 51% said they would accept lower pay for unlimited remote work flexibility.
Stress and burnout were widespread, with 87% of respondents reporting such experiences.
Long hours and heavy workloads were identified as the leading cause by 50% of workers, while 48% cited the cost-of-living crisis as a significant stressor.
Artificial intelligence (AI) also emerged as a concern, with 68% of respondents believing AI will increase job competition and 45% fearing they might be replaced by the technology.
At the same time, 84% said learning to use AI tools could make them more employable, while 78% felt AI would help them acquire new skills faster.
55% of Gen Z respondents said they would accept lower pay for remote work, and 62% expressed concerns about being replaced by AI.
Millennials displayed similar preferences, while Gen X and Baby Boomers were less inclined to prioritise remote work options or express concerns about AI’s impact.
59% of workers reported participating in ‘Bare Minimum Mondays’, starting the week with minimal effort.
Other trends included ‘quiet quitting’ (58%), where workers only perform the minimum required, and ‘fauxductivity’ (50%), where they appear busy but achieve little.
Men were more likely than women to engage in behaviours such as ‘quiet vacationing’, reported by 28% of men compared to 15% of women, and ‘ghosting’ jobs without notice, reported by 25% of men compared to 17% of women.
In-office work was recognised for its benefits, with 82% of respondents agreeing that it fosters better communication and collaboration.
69% believed it offered better career advancement opportunities, but 60% said remote work made them feel disconnected from colleagues and company culture.
Regional preferences varied, with Londoners and workers in Southern England showing stronger support for remote work, while Scotland leaned more toward in-office setups.
48% of workers said they did not aspire to managerial roles, instead prioritising stability and personal fulfilment.
Among Gen Z respondents, 26% expressed a desire to start their own businesses, the highest figure among all generations.
