A well-paid job, but also balanced, fulfilling and which offers opportunities for development. Here is what young people expect from their work in 2024, according to a study by the Jean Jaurès Foundation in partnership with Macif and BVA Xsight, published this Friday, November 22. Carried out among 1,000 young women and men from different regions and socio-professional categories, this study aims to understand the professional expectations of young people aged 18 to 24, but also their perception of the business world and the way with which they commit and project themselves into the professional world.
In an increasingly tense economic context, having good remuneration, regardless of the thousand socio-professionals surveyed, remains the number 1 priority for 40% of young people. A consistent result among studies in recent years. This priority goes hand in hand with persistent worry: nearly one in two young people express the fear of not earning enough money to plan for the future.
Financial security, but also the assurance of moving forward
Figures which, according to the survey, reflect a need for stability. “Always attached to traditional benchmarks (real estate ownership, family life), they seek to reconcile stability and professional mobility,” details the study. 67% wish to become owners or build a house, and 59% are considering a family project.
If financial security and comfort remain at the top of the list, they are no longer the only criteria to weigh in the decision of young workers. 29% of them say that they would prefer a position that allows them to reconcile professional and personal life, and 27% say they are looking for a job that is intellectually or practically stimulating. These figures should be compared with another concern: that of boredom at work and lack of interest, which concerns more than a third of the young people questioned.
Mobility within the company contributes to this quest for stimulation: although they seek security, 23% of young people want to evolve within a company which gives them the possibility of changing positions to enrich their experience. Two thirds also say they want to learn throughout their lives by benefiting from training, especially among young graduates. However, the vast majority prefer to work in a French or local company (52%), far ahead of large CAC 40 companies (12%).
Environmental commitment in decline
Other elements reinforce their well-being at work: Nearly half of young people say they need a good atmosphere at work, and 21% of them mention in particular the search for good team spirit and of understanding between colleagues, all generations combined. For 41%, it is essential to be able to count on their colleagues in the event of difficulty, and a third appreciate more a manager who promotes a pleasant working environment which values their work, and helps them to progress.
Young professionals also value their company’s sincere commitment to a cause. One of them comes out on top this year: improving working conditions, essential for 33% of them. This is far ahead of environmental preservation which, on the contrary, seems to be in decline. Only 22% of young people believe that companies must make a priority commitment to preserving the environment among CSP+, and only 13% all socio-professional categories included. This is 10 points less than in 2023, the survey shows. A figure which could reflect a prioritization of personal and professional needs, in the face of an uncertain socio-economic context.