Millennials and Gen Z in Czechia prioritize work-life balance over salaries

A new survey from consulting firm Deloitte has found that millennials (people born between 1981 and 1996) and Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2010) prioritize work-life balance over salary when choosing a job.

The survey reveals that 30 percent of Gen Z sees work-life balance as the most important factor in choosing a job, closely followed by 28 percent of millennials. In response, according to Deloitte, companies should consider creating part-time jobs and offering flexible work hours, as well as more remote-work options. Just 33 percent of Gen Z and 28 percent of millennials currently have the opportunity to work remotely.

Andrea Černá, an expert on human resources trends from Deloitte, explains that young people are “well aware of the impact work can have on their quality of life” and are therefore prioritizing balance over money.

The survey also looked at why young people in Czechia left their previous jobs. For both generations, insufficient pay was the top reason (interestingly, not workload or inflexibility). This was followed by burnout (one in five people across both generations) and a lack of opportunities for career advancement (around 15 percent).

One example of remote working’s popularity is the finding earlier this year that hybrid work models (a blend of remote and in-office working) attracted “seven times more candidates.”

Despite the rise in remote work during the pandemic, the majority of young Czechs still work exclusively from the office. Senior partner at Deloitte David Batal emphasizes the importance of listening to the needs and wishes of job applicants – especially those who desire more flexible working – to attract more talent, especially at a time when there is a labor shortage in Czechia.

A separate study from last year found that 94 percent of all employees in Czechia considered working hours and workload important to them. Another topic that is much discussed but not yet very widespread is the four-day workweek. The 2023 survey showed that 70 percent of people “would like to try” a shorter working week, but only one in five employees have practical experience with it.

Talking to Expats.cz last year, director of business services firm in Czechia ABSL Jonathan Appleton said a four-day working week in Czechia allows employers to “maintain and even strengthen the loyalty and satisfaction of their employees, which is today – when the shortage of quality candidates on the labor market prevails – very important. The feedback from employees is very positive.”