By Alexia Sotiriou

Generation Z is an educated but precarious generation, working with low wages, diminished expectations and the looming risk of a renewed brain drain, according to a survey by the GSEE Labor Institute.

The survey "Youth and Work 2025", conducted by the GSEE Labor Institute in collaboration with the company ALCO, examined in particular the attitude of Generation Z (young people up to 29 years old) towards work, education and the future, highlighting the inability of the Greek labor market to utilize the potential of Generation Z.

Extended family dependency, widespread burnout and mental fatigue, a gap between education and the labor market, low satisfaction with career prospects and a strong desire to emigrate are just some of the findings that paint a bleak picture of the conditions experienced by young employees.

Only 2 in 10 live alone - The salary is not enough for 7 in 10

As it turned out, the new generation of employees is experiencing an extension of family dependence that is not a choice but a necessity. Only 20% of young employees live alone. According to the survey, 45% of young people still live with their family (the percentage for those who work part-time rises to 65%) and 30% with a friend or partner. Only 30% contribute financially to rent or housing costs.

At the same time, 70% stated that their income is not sufficient for basic needs and 62% recognized financial dependence on their parents.

The phenomenon is linked to low wages, expensive housing and a welfare state that needs reinforcement. Economic independence, the formation of a household, and the establishment of family or professional identity are increasingly delayed. As the Institute noted, this is a generation that works without being able to live independently, trapped between employment and the effort to become independent.

4 out of 10 work in a field unrelated to their studies

The findings regarding the relationship between the labor market and education are also disappointing. 38% of respondents stated that their work is not related to their studies or training. 49% said that their education did not adequately prepare them for the job market.

However, 86% noted that they are strongly committed to continuing learning, while 65% said they feel highly competent in the digital skills necessary for their job.

The gap between education and the job market reflects not only an institutional discontinuity, but also the immaturity of the production system and businesses to absorb the human resources of the new generation.

Gen Z: The most educated but also the least integrated generation in high value-added production

The Greek labor market remains underdeveloped in terms of organization and technological development, preventing it from harnessing the knowledge, digital skills and creativity of new graduates.

The disconnection of employment from knowledge leads to the double trap of underemployment and frustration: Generation Z is the most educated but also the least integrated generation in high value-added production.

6 out of 10 experience burnout at work

The findings regarding the daily work life and the pressure experienced by young workers also ring a bell: It is indicative that 60% said that they experience burnout at work while 46% feel that their work burdens their health or sleep.

62% stated that work negatively affects their personal life while the positive work-life balance is recorded as particularly low at 21%.

Overall job satisfaction ranges at 35%, while 53% noted that they face anxiety and stress.

As the INE GSEE pointed out, Generation Z is entering a world that shifts care and mental resilience to the individual. The pressure of performance, extended hours and reduced collective protection lead to widespread burnout and mental fatigue. Their perceived lack of personal time and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life are creating a new kind of work alienation: young people are working more but feeling less connected to what they are doing. The quality of work is thus becoming a critical factor in mental health.

More than 7 in 10 do not see professional prospects in the country

The findings are also discouraging in the field of professional prospects. It is indicative that 72% of young workers believe that they do not see professional prospects in the country and only 9% stated that they are satisfied with their professional prospects. In fact, 46% referred to their interest in working abroad. 79% believe that their parents' generation experienced better working and social conditions, while 65% believe that it is not possible to create a family with their current working conditions.

The data outline a generation with limited trust in the present and moderate faith in the future. The low satisfaction with professional prospects and the strong desire to emigrate reflect an "emotional and professional rift" between young people and the Greek labor market. At the same time, familiarity with artificial intelligence is highlighted, showing a generation that understands the changes but is worried that it will not benefit from them. Finally, the inability to start a family under current working conditions reveals that precariousness is not limited to the professional level, risking turning uncertainty into a permanent issue.

A new work value model

The finding that mental health precedes financial security by 70% is interesting, while 73% of participants said that employment is much more than payment. 47% consider work a source of identity and self-esteem. According to the survey, 44% would be willing to change jobs if they did not express themselves, even if this meant losing income. In addition, only 36% stated that their work allows them to develop initiatives and express ideas, while creativity at work is recognized and rewarded by only 24%. 72% stated that they wish to work in companies that respect the environment and society. However, 65% said that they would accept informal - "black" work if there was no other option.

The above demonstrates that Generation Z introduces a new value model of work. It promotes authenticity, creativity and emotional balance. Work loses the character of simple survival and becomes a space for self-determination, but under conditions that the Greek market does not offer. The acceptance of informal-black work, despite these values, however, shows the depth of insecurity and the need for survival.

Trust in state protection institutions is at bottom

At the same time, trust in state protection institutions is extremely low with 15% stating their trust compared to 65% stating that they do not trust them. 30% said that there is active association or trade union representation in their workplace. 36% have participated in a strike or other collective mobilization and 67% said that they would participate in a strike if they considered the request fair, while an equally high percentage believe that collective action can improve working conditions. In addition, six out of 10 stated that they are aware of their labor rights.

"The findings show a generation with low trust but high availability for action. Although Generation Z appears cautious towards protection institutions and trade union representation, it does not reject collective organization as a value. There is a high willingness to participate in collective actions as long as they feel that the demands concern them and are fair," the research pointed out.

"They are not just demanding a job: they are seeking a meaningful future"

Finally, INE GSEE emphasized that Generation Z in Greece is not just demanding a job: it is seeking a meaningful and just future. As it pointed out, "without raising wages, strengthening stability, rebuilding collective protection and investing in mental health and learning, no brain regain policy can succeed."