Younger workers move jobs more often, but is this a good idea?

18 Sep 2023

Gen Z will make up 27% of the workforce in OECD countries by 2025––that’s according to the World Economic Forum. But with this generation’s workforce already defined by their biggest habit–– job hopping––moving from role to role, company to company, and often industry to industry trying to find the position that fits, problems for employers loom large.

According to Gallup, 21% of Gen Z workers admit to having changed roles in the last year. This is significantly higher than the same statistic among older workers. But how does this impact the workers themselves?

While previously job hopping inferred that an employee lacked loyalty and sticking power, these days, the whys are less important to future employers. However, what is important is understanding the impact continual job hopping might be having on your career prospects.

Compensation Package

Research shows that switching companies can bring a 10% increase in salary compared to 3.8% increase if you stay with the same company. Those who are looking to increase their experience levels and network with peers in the industry can do both, while pocketing additional cash.

However, moving for money and experience is a short-term win, in the long term, constant job hopping might mean that you miss out on benefits, which will impact your personal bottom line.

Benefits like pension contribution, health insurance, parental leave and additional paid time off often kick in after six to nine months, but can be forfeited if you leave within a certain time frame––usually two to three years.

Career Progression

Switching companies or industries provides the kind of experience you’ll never get from staying with the same employer your entire career.

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It provides a different point of view and problem solving abilities when compared to those who have never worked anywhere else. And yet, oftentime job hoppers find they hit a career plateau earlier than those who stick with the same employer.

While we know that longevity doesn’t equate to promotion, research has shown that giving yourself time to settle into a role and show your boss what you can do is the fastest way to gain their support.

Research from Microsoft suggests that new hires often don’t start doing their job to the best of their ability until they are at least 12-18 months in the role. It takes at least a full year to build the kind of relationships needed to push through truly big wins––the kind of achievements that get you promoted.

Battling Boredom

Often, the desire to switch roles comes from an employer either not providing enough opportunity for progression resulting in a job becoming repetitive and boring.

Similarly, an employer that refuses to embrace non-financial benefits such as hybrid working, parental leave, mental health supports and loyalty bonuses such as additional paid time off, may often find themselves with a high level of turnover as younger workers refuse to settle for roles that don’t align with their personal values.

Up to 70% of younger workers in fact, with research showing they won’t remain at a company that doesn’t align with their personal goals.

Get a job that’s right for you

The solution is to find a role with an employer which provides ample opportunity for upskilling and progression, rewards loyalty, and boasts a thoroughly modern workplace. The first place to look for such a role is on the Study International Job Board. It is full of employers which are changing the face of work.

Companies currently hiring through include EY, which is committed to ensuring employees have a good work/life balance – offering up to 27 annual paid days off, flexible working and leave suited to families of all sizes.

Similarly, Northrop Grumman is also recruiting for a number of roles and offers employees pension contributions, subsidized healthcare and tuition support for further education.

Other companies with good employee benefits currently hiring on the Study International Job Board include Tracer and Meditrial.