Survey: Gen Z Stays in a Single Job for Only 1.8 Years

Gen Z is once again in the spotlight in the world of work. This time, attention is on how long they stay with a company, which is seen as shortening compared with prior generations. Cited from Your Tango on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, a new survey by Gateway Commercial Finance of more than 1,000 respondents — comprising Gen Z workers and recruitment managers — found that on average Gen Z employees remain in a single job for only about 1.8 years before deciding to move. The findings reinforce the stereotype of Gen Z as ‘job hoppers’, a generation prone to switching jobs. Gen Z has a lower tolerance for work environments deemed unhealthy, disrespectful to workers, or not providing room to grow. They want to work, but do not want to be unduly exploited, paid poorly, or undervalued. The Gateway Commercial Finance survey shows 47 percent of Gen Z workers plan to leave their jobs within less than a year. In fact, half of respondents said they would resign at any time if they found a better opportunity. The report states that only a quarter of Gen Z workers feel committed to staying long-term with their current company. Less than half of respondents also believe that loyalty to a single company still offers advantages in the modern labour market. This phenomenon arises amid major post-pandemic changes in the world of work, where flexibility, mental health, and work-life balance are increasingly prioritised by young workers. Kevin Leicht, sociology professor at the University of Illinois, said that this shift in mindset had actually formed over many years. ‘An era of working more than 30 years at the same company is over,’ he said. He noted that Gen Z grew up amid economic uncertainty, rapid industry changes, and rising risks of job cuts. This makes them view work as more transactional than earlier generations. Unlike previous generations who often prioritised stability, Gen Z is seen as more selective about work culture and corporate values.