Half of teenagers would prefer to be happy in their future job than be paid a lot
Research indicates that half of teenagers prioritise happiness over high salaries in their future careers.
Half of teenagers would prefer to be happy in their future job then be paid a lot.
(Image: SWNS )
A survey involving 500 individuals aged 13 to 18 revealed that 46 per cent are already keen for their career to reflect their personal values.
Moreover, a significant 77 per cent are contemplating the importance of mental health support at work, with 74 per cent convinced it leads to happier, more loyal employees, and 36 per cent believing it ensures no colleague feels excluded.
Conversely, only eight per cent place importance on company-wide events. When considering job perks, teens show a preference for free private healthcare (17 per cent) over benefits like a company car scheme (seven per cent).
Dr. Amy Pressland, representing Benenden Health which commissioned the study as part of its 'Future of Work' report, commented: "This research demonstrates a distinct step-change for the next generation of workers and what's important to them.
"Employers need to urgently consider what this means for how they design workplaces, roles and employee benefits. The company car and the Christmas party may become de-prioritised as Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) join the workforce.
"Front and centre for Gen Alpha is health - they are the generation most concerned with mental health, supporting neurodiversity, and will prioritise employers who align with their concerns and values."
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The research further surveyed the teens' parents, uncovering that 54 per cent are concerned about their offspring's transition into the workforce.
54% of teen's parents are worried about their children entering the workplace.
(Image: SWNS )
Their main worries include the disparity between skills taught in schools and those required in a professional setting (41 per cent), along with apprehensions about toxic work environments (39 per cent). Additionally, 27 per cent fear their young adults may not appreciate the corporate culture.
Nevertheless, a whopping 85 per cent acknowledged that attitudes towards work have significantly altered since they embarked on their own careers.
Notably, 39 per cent observed an increase in mental health support and 53 per cent identified more flexible working arrangements. Encouragingly, 35 per cent perceive an upswing in general workplace supportiveness in recent times.
Moreover, a separate study of 500 HR professionals by OnePoll for the healthcare provider disclosed that 59 per cent have noticed the younger generation's preference for different perks compared to their elders.
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These include desires for more adaptable hours, the option of remote working, and enhanced support for mental wellbeing. Other sought-after benefits are gym memberships, private healthcare provision, and the allowance of pets in the office space.
Dr. Amy Pressland from Benenden Health commented: "With Generation Alpha mere years away from entering the workforce en masse, now is the time for employers, CEOs, IT and HR directors to consider how they must adapt their workplaces to attract the most diverse and digitally-savvy generation to date."
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