Navigating the Modern Workforce: Generation Z's Expectations, Motivators, and the Impact of Work Experience

Abstract

This research investigates the job selection preferences, expectations, and motivational factors of Generation Z in Hungary, with a specific focus on the potential role of work experience. As Generation Z preferences may vary by age and years spent in the labour market, the online questionnaires reflection section on respondent age was divided into four subcategories. This allowed for a deeper identification of patterns in the data collected from 739 Generation Z respondents.
Contrary to our expectations, our findings showed that neither the prioritisation of an attractive physical work environment nor the demand for flexible working conditions differs significantly across various work experience groups within Generation Z. This suggests that these expectations consistently hold high priority for the generation, regardless of their current career stage. Furthermore, while career building opportunities are highly valued, we found no significant association between this priority and the pursuit of international job opportunities.
The study contributes to a better understanding of Generation Z's labour market behaviour in Hungary, highlighting the generation's workplace expectations. Despite the rapidly changing work environment, these expectations persisted. Practical implications suggest that employers should focus on providing attractive work environments and flexible work opportunities to attract and retain Generation Z.