The UK job market is experiencing a shift, but how is that different for Gen Z compared to Millennials or Gen X? Are you expected to tailor your approach to work based on your age?
We surveyed almost 3,000 CharityJob candidates to find out what really matters across generations. While there were some differences, the overlap in what each generation experienced and wanted was far more significant. Here’s what that could mean for your job search.
The overarching reality
More than half of our respondents who were in employment (56%) felt there weren’t enough suitable job opportunities. The top challenges they felt they faced were: too much competition and low salaries (43%). Gen Z felt this hardest: 74% cited intense competition and 44% said roles required experience they didn’t have. It appears that in the current market many candidates feel they may need to broaden their search as well as their skillset.
Flexibility consensus
A key finding was that flexibility wasn’t really considered a perk anymore but was more of an expectation. Overall, almost 60% expected to access flexible working arrangements within the first month of starting a new role, including 40% expecting it from day one.
Interestingly, people weren’t just asking for flexibility, but were willing to make trade-offs to ensure it, with 87% saying they would accept a lower-paying job if it offered better work-life balance and flexibility. Across all generations, 71% stated that flexible working hours would positively influence their decision to stay with an employer, with 72% of respondents wanting remote or hybrid working options.
Cultural expectations
And the number one factor when considering a role? A respectful and inclusive workplace (72%), followed by positive management and employee autonomy (63%). Job security, open communication and positive social impact rounded out the top five values at work. Additionally, an overwhelming 84% stated they would be likely or very likely to leave a job that was high paying but that impacted their wellbeing.
So, if you’ve been made to feel like your expectations are unreasonable at times, rest assured that our data says otherwise. Across all generations, people generally want the same things: flexibility, respect, balance, purpose and space to grow.
These aren’t just generational values at work, but needs that progressive employers are already meeting. Therefore, if you aren’t being offered these, then rather than lowering your standards, perhaps you should question whether you’re looking in the right places.
The charity sector might not have been on your radar, but it makes sense if you’re looking for purpose-driven work, human-centric skills and flexibility as standard, as these things are typically embedded in charity culture.
The paradox of Gen Z
Gen Z are the most values-driven generation (82% rate positive social impact as very/extremely important), yet they were also the most likely to say they’d work somewhere misaligned with their values if the pay was good (32% vs 18% of Baby Boomers).
If you’re Gen Z facing high living costs and an AI-squeezed entry-level market, you no doubt recognise this tension. Sometimes financial security has to be the priority, even if it means compromising on values at work – at least temporarily.
Build human skills
Crucially, as AI reshapes working environments, uniquely human skills such as relationship-building, communication and problem-solving become your competitive advantage. The charity sector can develop exactly these capabilities. A few years building those skills in a mission-driven role could be your wisest career investment.
Ready to explore opportunities that match your values at work? Browse roles on CharityJob or download our full report Expectations and Values at Work: A Generational View 2026.
