Empirical Study of Work Motivation Characteristics of Generation Z Youth
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17308/econ.2026.3/14220Keywords:
labor, life values, employee incentive systemAbstract
Subject. Work motivation of young people and its determining factors.
Purpose. To study the characteristics of work motivation of Generation Z Youth and to develop proposals for improving incentive systems for employees of this generation.
Methodology. We used a questionnaire survey method. The questionnaire included fifteen questions and consisted of two sections: the first was aimed at studying the structure of work values and motives of modern youth, and the second section focused on the attitude of young people toward flexible employment. The survey was exploratory in nature and was implemented using Google Forms.
Results and discussion. Based on the processing of the questionnaire survey, we obtained the following results. The key life values of Generation Z youth are family, health, and financial well-being. The most important work motives are salary, flexible work schedule, and interest in the profession. We identified the problem of devaluation of work and established that young people are oriented toward easier work that provides flexibility and good income. The main agents shaping the perception of work among modern youth and influencing career choice are society, family and friends, and social networks. The virtual space plays a major role in the lives of Generation Z youth. Important criteria for professional success included responsibility, goal orientation, professionalism, and intellectual abilities.
Conclusions. Based on the analysis of the empirical study of work motivation of Generation Z youth, we proposed directions for improving employee incentive systems at the organizational level. These include: the use of training methods that take into account generational specifics (a tendency toward kinesthetic and visual learning), the application of flexible and hybrid work schedules and remote forms of employment, the transition to modern staff remuneration systems, the digitalization of workplaces, and the improvement of their convenience and comfort.
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