The Workplace of The Future: Millennials and Gen Zs in the UK Call For Travel Perks, Flexible Working Hours & Purpose‑Driven Work

• While half (50%) of Gen Zs feel confident they are definitely in the right sector, two in five (40%) Millennials feel uncertain
• With the rise of working from home, 78% of Brits admit that a lack of social interaction is a key consideration to changing jobs, with 25% revealing they have thought about switching jobs over concerns for their mental health
• Meeting the needs of both generations, two thirds (66%) of Millennials and Gen Zs say they have considered a career in hospitality over the past 12 months, because of the unique industry benefits

LONDON – Millennials and Gen Zs in Britain have revealed what makes the perfect job in a post-pandemic workplace, with flexible working arrangements, travel perks, the opportunity to contribute to purposeful work, and strong mental health programmes ranked as the most important factors.

While the perfect job should include the ability to meet new people, sample different roles and offer a work-life balance, organisations with a strong focus on social and environmental issues were important to a resounding 71% of those aged between 18-41.

The survey, carried out by Hilton (NYSE: HLT), also revealed that having a good work-life balance was a key reason for 39% of Millennials and Gen Zs to stay in their current roles. Even more so, over half (57%) of Brits aged 18-41 feel having a good relationship with colleagues and customers is significant, with 78% admitting a lack of social interaction a key consideration to changing jobs. In fact, 25% of 18-41-year-olds revealed they thought about switching jobs in the past year over concerns for their mental health and wellbeing.

Identifying a generational divide, when asked if they feel they’re in the ‘right job’, 50% of Gen Zs said they feel they are in the right sector, while 40% of Millennials are unsure about the sector in which they are working. The differences between both generations are further highlighted with what Britons value most when it comes to their careers - 18% of Gen Zs said they prioritise flexibility, while 34% of Millennials prioritise a high salary. The research also found that 38% of Gen Zs most value an employer that champions diversity, equity and inclusion, which is in contrast to 29% of Millennials who most value an employer that champions sustainability. 

However, meeting the needs of both generations, a majority (66%) of Millennials and Gen Zs united in considering a career in hospitality over the past 12 months; ranking travel perks (19%), flexible working hours (21%), career development opportunities (16%), and a culture committed to supporting mental health and wellbeing (15%) as the most attractive industry benefits.

Steve Cassidy, senior vice president and managing director, UK & Ireland, 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. 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, and are excited to currently recruit for over 1,400 new team members within our hotels, including London Hilton on Park Lane, Conrad London St. James, Hilton at St. George’s Park, Hilton Cambridge, Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Hilton Birmingham Metropole, and Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, with a variety of careers on offer from Apprentice Chef and Bartender positions, to Event Planners and Housekeepers.”

Hilton has hotels in more than 122 countries and territories around the world, and has a strong commitment to creating a diverse workplace culture through partnerships with Aurora Foxes, Springboard and the Armed Forces, and it’s this focus to diversity, equity and inclusion which sees Hilton consistently celebrate an award-winning workplace culture across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In 2022, Hilton was ranked as #3 Best Workplace, and the top hospitality company, in the UK by Great Place to Work. Hilton also ranked #5 on the Best Workplaces for Well-Being list in the UK.

To support its team members in prioritising their physical and mental wellbeing, Hilton has launched a Thrive@Hilton campaign, which includes a website loaded with mental health and wellness resources, an app for team members, and coaching for managers and leaders to help them and their teams achieve both personal and professional goals.

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

Notes to Editors

*Hilton ranked as #3 in the ‘Super Large’ category of the UK’s Best Workplaces list in 2022.

Methodology

OnePoll surveyed 2,000 respondents in the UK from 28th April 2022 – 11^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.