Generation Z, raised in a world full of technology, is entering the labor market with expectations fundamentally different from their parents. For individuals in this group, a career is often more than just a job – it’s a lifestyle, a balance between work and passion, and a continuous desire for development. In this context, physical work – widely available, often marginalized, but also extremely important for many sectors of the economy – seems to take a backseat. So how does Generation Z perceive it? A study conducted at the initiative of Job Impulse, a member of the Polish HR Forum, shows that the answer is not as clear-cut as it may seem.
53% of those surveyed from Generation Z believes that physical work can be attractive (42.89% “rather yes” and 10.44% “definitely yes”).
The main reasons for the attractiveness of physical work for Generation Z are primarily good pay (50%), the ability to quickly enter the labor market (48%), and stable work, which is in demand (44%).
On the other hand, among nearly 33% of respondents (8% “definitely no” and 24.7% “rather no”), the lack of attractiveness of this form of employment often results from factors such as the physically demanding nature of the work (55%), too low wages (50%) and low social prestige (48%).
Surprising results – physical work still has a chance
The survey revealed that close to 43% of Generation Z representatives consider physical work as “rather attractive”, and 10% as “definitely attractive”. In the overall balance, more than half of the respondents is a large percentage, considering the growing importance of intellectual work and professions related to new technologies. Although 24% of respondents see this form of employment rather negatively, and 14% remain undecided, it can be noticed that physical work is not completely rejected by young people. It can constitute a real professional option, provided that certain conditions related to remuneration, work organization, and the possibility of professional development are met.
“In the context of rotations, staff shortages, and the simultaneous growth of logistics, construction, or production sectors, physical work remains a key element of the economy’s development. Employers should therefore focus on ‘modernizing’ its image – showing that it’s not just muscle strength, but also the ability to use modern tools and technologies. This will allow employees not only to develop practical skills but also to acquire specialized knowledge, which can lead to promotions and new roles within companies,” said Łukasz Koszczoł, President of Job Impulse.
How does Generation Z perceive physical work?
The main reasons for the attractiveness of physical work for Generation Z are primarily good wages – 50%, the ability to quickly enter the labor market – 48% and stable employment, for which there is market demand – 44%. These factors particularly attract young people who do not have higher education and for whom physical work is a natural career path.
But for what reasons does it lose attractiveness in the eyes of this generation? The three main indications are the physical burden – 55%, too low wages – 50%, and low social prestige – 48%. Women in particular see significant barriers to these factors – the demanding nature of such work and its social status evoke more negative assessments.
What to do to make physical work more attractive? As the responses show, more than half of the respondents, as much as 53%, pointed to the improvement of working conditions and safety. But that’s not all. Generation Z values flexible working time – 48%, the third important element is attractive packages of additional benefits – 46%. Investments in modern technologies leading to process automation – 35%, and professional development and training programs – 33% turned out to be equally important.
The future of physical work in the digital era depends on how effectively employers can adapt their offers to the expectations of the young generation. Automation, technology, flexible working hours, and development prospects are the keys that can open the door for Generation Z to a career in physical professions.
The labor market faces a challenge, but also a huge opportunity. Will Generation Z find their future in physical work? Everything depends on how quickly it will be possible to adapt offers to their needs and expectations.
The study was conducted by SW Research on behalf of Job Impulse in September 2024. The research group included 450 people from Generation Z, i.e. born between 1995 and 2012.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/praca-fizyczna-a-pokolenie-z-czy-mlodzi-widza-w-niej-przyszlosc-50351
