By Sheila Flavell, below, CEO, FDM Group
In today’s workforce, a new revolution is underway, driven by a generation that’s redefining how we view career success. Gen Z are reshaping the professional landscape, challenging traditional norms, and advocating for a more dynamic approach to career progression. In particular, job-hopping to redefine career success – a strategy once frowned upon – is now increasingly recognised by Gen Z as a pathway to professional advancement.
The End of the Lifetime Job
For decades, the ideal career path was straightforward. Join a company, climb the corporate ladder, and retire with a pension. Stability and loyalty were the guarantees of success. However, as industries evolve at a rapid speed, and technology continually disrupts established practices, Gen Z are using a different approach.
In a recent survey by FDM Group, a leading business and tech consultancy, a striking two-thirds (66.4 per cent) of Gen Z respondents expressed that changing companies is the best way to develop new skills and progress in their careers. This sentiment marks a significant change from previous generations, where only 59 per cent of Non-Gen Z participants shared the same view.
Why Job-Hopping Appeals to Gen Z
Several factors fuel Gen Z’s preference for job-hopping. 93.4 percent of Gen Z rate continuous learning and skills development as highly important. They are aware that each role or company offers unique opportunities to acquire new knowledge and capabilities. Consequently, job-hopping becomes a strategic move to gain diverse experiences and keep their skills sharp and relevant in a rapidly changing job market.
Furthermore, this generation thrives on adaptability and flexibility, traits that align with the increasingly project-based nature of modern work. By moving between roles, they can improve their ability to adapt to different environments, teams, and challenges, which are qualities that are highly valued in today’s workplaces.
For Gen Z, work is not just about pay cheques, but about purpose and values. They seek employers whose mission and values align with their own. Job-hopping allows them to find a workplace that resonates with their need for inclusivity, diversity, and meaningful contributions.
On top of this, traditional career progression often involved long hours in the office. Gen Z, however, prioritises work-life balance and autonomy. By switching jobs, they can negotiate better terms that cater to their preference for hybrid or remote work, with 64.5% of Gen Z preferring hybrid work arrangements.
Rethinking Employer Loyalty
Employers have traditionally frowned upon frequent job changes, associating it with a lack of loyalty or commitment. However, Gen Z takes on a new form of loyalty. Companies can adapt by offering environments that not only attract, but also continually engage and retain this new generation of employees.
This might involve creating more fluid career paths. By offering opportunities to move within the company or short-term project assignments, organisations can provide the variety and learning opportunities that Gen Z seeks, without necessitating a company change.
Another way companies could adapt is by emphasising skill development. Employers should invest in robust training programmes and clear paths for upskilling, helping Gen Z see the potential for growth within their current roles.
On top of this, organisations could champion work-life balance, by adapting to the flexible work preferences of Gen Z, as well as offering hybrid and remote work options.
The Future of Work
The Gen Z approach to job-hopping signals a broader shift in the workforce. It challenges companies to rethink how they define and foster career success. Gen Z workers bring a new perspective that values flexibility, continuous learning, and alignment with personal values over the traditional markers of success.
By embracing these changes, organisations can harness the potential of Gen Z’s drive. Rather than viewing job-hopping as a threat, it can be seen as an opportunity to innovate and adapt to a rapidly evolving world of work.
Personalised career development programmes with companies like FDM Group, provide a great route for Gen Z looking for their next career move and help them thrive in diverse and exciting roles in tech.
