Young people choose their education mainly based on interest, enjoyment, job opportunities and earning potential. This is the result of an IFES survey commissioned by the GPA trade union, in which 1,000 people between the ages of 16 and 29 participated.
In the workplace itself, a good working atmosphere is “very important” for two-thirds of respondents. This is followed by clear boundaries between work hours and free time, as well as compatibility with non-work interests and commitments. However, only about one in five people found the ability to work from home particularly important. For about a sixth of respondents it is important that the company or sector is environmentally sustainable or has a good reputation.
Desired working time of 34 hours
They were also asked about the working hours themselves: for 16 percent it is “very important” that there is the possibility of part-time work. The average desired working time was 34 hours per week, although women would like to work slightly shorter hours than men (32 vs. 35 hours per week).
More than one in three respondents thought their income was too low; 43 percent of women were more dissatisfied. Another result: only one in ten feels very well informed about the working world, including rights and obligations. The trade union that commissioned the IFES research is therefore calling for an ‘Experience the World of Work’ topic to be introduced in all schools, which is intended to prepare people for their future careers.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
