Zarah ChoudharyNearly nine in 10 (88%) of Generation Z prioritise finding the stability of a single employer that provides financial security, alongside a sense of community and belonging, according to Admiral.
The research revealed a generational shift in attitudes towards work, as 75% of 18 to 27-year-olds sought more secure, long-term tenures than has been the norm in recent years.
On average, Gen Z employees aspired to remain in their jobs for seven years, double the 3.5-year average tenure reported in analysis of official statistics.
Millennials, however, were less inclined than Gen Z to stay at a company over a longer period to develop their careers.
Instead, 30% of Millennials reported frequently switching companies to negotiate pay rises.
More than half (57%) of 18 to 27-year-olds said that staying with one employer and developing their career was more financially beneficial than frequently changing jobs.
This age group was particularly drawn to the idea of an employer that supports their life outside of work, offers opportunities to move within the organisation, and provides avenues for growth.
70% of young people preferred to stay longer with a company to develop a career rather than focusing solely on seeking higher salaries by changing employers frequently.
Matt Wintle, head of talent acquisition and development at Admiral, said: “An employer for life, a place where you can move within the business, take on diverse roles, and grow your career, is something we’ve fostered at Admiral from the start.
“When recruiting, we see that people aren’t just looking to learn and leave—they want to invest in themselves and their workplace.
“They seek equity in their company, personal development, and work-life balance.
“At Admiral, there are countless opportunities and a genuine culture of development.
“Many of our colleagues have started in junior roles and progressed within the company. Not everyone changes departments, as it may not suit all individuals, but for those who do, the flexibility is there.
“This is why so many of our colleagues have chosen to stay long-term.”
Kate McHugh, project manager at Admiral, said: “I joined Admiral in 2010 at the age of 23, and I would never have had the life I’ve had if I’d chosen to leave and job-hop.
“Initially, I thought of it as a stopgap, but I quickly realised Admiral could offer everything I wanted for my career and life plans.
“Since joining, I’ve been able to develop my career, become a manager, and even shift into a completely new path in project management.
“These opportunities wouldn’t have been possible in a series of short-term roles. It’s fantastic to see young people recognising the value of such opportunities.”
Nearly a fifth of Gen Z employees attributed the shift towards longer-term employment to seeking stability amid economic and political uncertainty, while half believed it was driven by the cultural emphasis on better work-life balance.
Gen Z was as likely to spend their free time ‘being creative’ as they were ‘being sociable’, with 40% planning to remain in their roles for eight or more years.
Gen Z prioritised financial stability over ‘having a purpose’ and was evenly split on whether to prioritise making more money or making a difference.
Millennials, in contrast, were more likely to value work-life balance over career advancement and prioritise mental health support over professional development opportunities.
The average Baby Boomer worked for the same number of companies as the average Millennial, and 40% of Baby Boomers reported that no event in their lifetime had prompted them to seek more stable employment, compared to just 10% of Gen Z.
Admiral UK reported that more than a quarter of its team has worked with the company for a decade or more, with an average tenure of seven years.
The company encourages long-term engagement by offering benefits such as its free share scheme, enabling employees to own up to £3,600 worth of free shares annually.
Through its ‘Where You Can’ people promise, Admiral fosters an environment where colleagues can be themselves, grow, progress, make a difference, and share in the company’s success.
Shoshanna Davis, founder of Fairy Job Mother and a Gen Z careers expert, said: “Employees want to feel valued and have access to opportunities within the same company.
“For previous generations, staying with one employer often meant one role for life. Now, people want to stay but also upskill, move internally, and explore different roles.
“With the right support, clear progression paths, and fair rewards, young people are far more likely to remain loyal to an employer.
“Job-hopping often stems from a lack of opportunities or a sense of stagnation.
“In today’s economic climate, a stable and supportive workplace can make a tremendous difference – not only offering financial security but also providing a sense of purpose and belonging.”
