Half of Gen Z workers want a career change, finds Employment Hero

Research from Employment Hero’s Annual Jobs Report found younger workers were the most likely to want a career change. 

50% of Gen Z workers said they wanted to start their careers over, even though many had only just started working. 

Around 30% of Gen Z workers had started a new job in the past year, showing some were unhappy early on.

Most Gen Z workers said they were staying put because it was tough to find something new. 

Over half (54%) said there was too much competition for jobs and 41% said the recruitment process was too difficult. 

Four in 10 (40%) said it was hard finding the right roles to move into.

One in five (20%) over 55s said they wanted a new career, suggesting the urge to switch was not just among the young.

Kevin Fitzgerald, UK managing director at Employment Hero, said: “The findings paint a clear picture of a workforce with a real desire to try something new, but economic uncertainty and fear of the job market are forcing them to stay put. 

“That’s why we’re seeing such high levels of ‘job hugging’. Employees are rethinking what work means to them and want roles that better align with their values, lifestyle and long-term goals – but many feel too anxious to take the leap. 

“For employers, this is a critical reminder: keeping talent isn’t just about the pay cheque.”

Fitzgerald added: “It’s about genuine investment in careers, wellbeing and flexibility, so people can get what they really want out of work.”