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Work: Beyond Financial Compensation, Understanding Young Adults' Desires in the Workplace

Environmental quality influences decision-making, offers attractive work benefits, and promotes flexibility.

Work expectations of contemporary youth: Beyond monetary compensation
Work expectations of contemporary youth: Beyond monetary compensation

Work: Beyond Financial Compensation, Understanding Young Adults' Desires in the Workplace

In a recent survey titled "Youth and Work," young Italians aged 18 to 39 shared their priorities when it comes to choosing a job. Promoted by Confartigianato Imprese Piemonte Orientale, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), and the Camera di commercio Monte Rosa, Laghi, Alto Piemonte, the survey involved 1000 participants, with 81% holding a high school diploma and 16% having a university degree.

The survey's findings, not previously reported, have shed light on the factors that young people consider beyond traditional aspects like salary and job title. According to the survey, the main obstacles to finding a job are insufficient candidate experience (38.9%) and difficulties in managing free time (35.9%). However, 57.5% indicated that the accessibility of information and support for writing a curriculum vitae could speed up the job search process.

When it comes to job selection, purpose-driven and impactful work, transparent and honest communication, flexibility in work and career paths, social responsibility and ethical alignment, positive work culture and belonging, opportunities for career growth and mentorship, and fair pay emerged as key factors. These findings align closely with recent research on Gen Z job preferences.

Interestingly, 66.2% of respondents prioritized job security (permanent contract), and 74.4% opted for a job that allows them to work in safe conditions. However, the logistics and transport sector, which young people associate with negative aspects such as a sense of solitude and hard work, was not a popular choice. Among the criticisms of the work of heavy vehicle drivers that emerged, there is traffic, the lack of career prospects, and low client appreciation.

Rossano Denetto, a functionary of Confartigianato Imprese Piemonte Orientale, emphasized that a new regulation of driving and rest times could help many young people to approach the world of transport. The survey's specific methodology or sample size was not detailed in the article.

In conclusion, the "Youth and Work" survey provides valuable insights into the factors influencing young people's job choices. Beyond traditional job aspects like pay and title, young people prioritize meaningful work aligned with their values, flexibility, transparent culture, and opportunities for growth when choosing a job. This synthesis aligns closely with the "Youth and Work" survey thematic results and broader recent surveys on Gen Z employment priorities.

  1. In the realm of healthcare and wellness, young Italians are eager for workplace-wellness programs that prioritize personal-growth and education-and-self-development, offering opportunities for career growth and mentorship.
  2. For many young Italians, financial stability is essential in their career choices, as shown by the prioritization of job security in the form of a permanent contract.
  3. In line with a lifestyle focused on positive work culture and belonging, young Italians seek businesses that foster transparency and honest communication, promoting an ethical alignment and social responsibility.
  4. Aspirations for a meaningful career extend beyond traditional science fields, as young Italians are drawn to work that is purpose-driven and impactful.
  5. Education-and-self-development resources such as accessibility of information and support for writing a curriculum vitae are recognized as crucial for young people navigating career opportunities and advancing their careers.

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