The Workplace of The Future: Millennials and Gen Zs in Portugal Call for Social Interaction, Travel Perks, Strong Welfare Policies, Flexible Working Hours & Purpose‑Driven Work

• Post pandemic, 88% of survey respondents said it was important to work for a company with purpose
• 93% felt it is important for employers to have strong mental health and wellbeing policies
• 92% said social interactions were important to them in the workplace
• 88% of people confirmed that diversity and inclusion in the workplace were important factors for choosing a job
• 56% of respondents favour the ability to travel with work 
• The top two new life skills that Millennials and Gen Zs wish to learn are a new language (57%) and cooking (30%)

LISBON – Millennials and Gen Zs in Portugal have revealed what makes the perfect job in a post-pandemic workplace, with flexible working arrangements, travel opportunities, the opportunity to contribute to purposeful work, diversity in the workplace and social interaction the most important factors. The findings were disclosed in a new survey of Millennials (26 to 41-year-olds) and Gen Zs (18 to 25-year-olds) commissioned by Hilton (NYSE: HLT).

The findings show that the perfect job should include the ability to meet new people, sample different roles and offer a work-life balance, while organisations with strong policies on social and environmental issues were likely to appeal to 88% of those aged between 18-41.

The survey also revealed that a diverse and inclusive workplace is important for 86% of Millennials and Gen Zs. Respondents feel that human connection is more important than ever in a post-pandemic world, with 92% valuing social interaction in the workplace.  Furthermore, 93% of 18 to 41-year-olds felt it is important for employers to have strong welfare policies, with 27% also revealing they thought about switching jobs in the past year over concerns for their mental health and wellbeing. 

Additional factors in the search for the perfect role included extensive career development opportunities (95%), flexible working arrangements (93%), support for personal learning (93%) and performance recognition (93%). Attitudes to working in a role that offers international travel opportunities divided the generations, with Gen Zs (65%) more likely than Millennials (45%) to seek out travel perks in a new role.

The findings also identified that 18 to 41-year-olds place greater value in the opportunity to build their career in one organisation (85%) as opposed to pursuing a career by continuously moving across organisations (6%), with the remainder undecided. In addition, 40% of Millennials and Gen Zs are united in considering a career in hospitality; ranking the ability to learn new skills (32%), meet new people from different backgrounds (28%), multiple career development opportunities (26%); and the chance to work abroad (25%) as the most attractive features.

The findings also identified that traditional jobs such as builder (3%), or teacher (9%) are no longer in favour, compared with the likes of a social media influencer (18%). 

David Kelly, senior vice president, Continental Europe, Hilton said, “Our research shows that the pandemic has shifted how we think about work, and I am proud that Hilton has continued to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of its teams in Portugal. We lead with culture and are fiercely committed to create a truly diverse and meaningful work environment where individuals are empowered with the tools, technology, and culture to unleash their full potential.”

“We know that when we invest in our team members, our guests and communities also benefit. It’s why we’re so committed to providing industry-leading benefits, from life-changing travel opportunities, to ensuring a sense of belonging for every team member – this is how we make Hilton a great place to work. We are thrilled to be recruiting 800 new team members across Europe including countless roles at our seven hotels in Portugal, with a variety of positions on offer, such as chefs, front desk, engineering, and mixology.”

Hilton has hotels in more than 122 countries and territories around the world. In Portugal, Hilton currently has seven hotels, including Conrad Algarve, Hilton Porto Gaia, Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, The Emerald House Lisbon – Curio Collection by Hilton, Boeira Garden Hotel Porto Gaia, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton Lisbon – Fontana Park and the newly opened Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. It plans to open seven new hotels in Portugal in the next five years. 

Hilton has a strong commitment to creating a diverse workplace culture and has fostered six community partnerships including with Salvador Foundation in Lisbon and the Portuguese Red Cross in Vila Nova de Gaia. Hilton recently ranked as #3 Best Workplace, and the top hospitality company in Portugal by Great Place to Work®.* 

Hilton pays particular attention to the well-being of its employees by offering attractive working conditions, competitive benefits, great recognition and support for their personal and professional development.  Hilton has rolled out a travel discount program, Go Hilton, for team members, their families and friends, as well as ongoing training and apprenticeship programs, to help each team member achieve their career aspirations.  

For more information about a career at Hilton, visit jobs.hilton.com.

Notes to Editors

*Hilton ranked as #3 of Portugal’s Best Workplaces list by Great Place to Work® in 2022 in the category of 101 – 500 employees.

Methodology

OnePoll surveyed 1000 respondents in Portugal from 28^th April – 13^th May 2022. The survey was conducted online using panel members who are credited to participate in surveys. Respondents aged 18-41 were targeted using screening questions and profile data in order to ensure the correct demographic was achieved.