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Is Switzerland training enough workers? And what about the work ethic of Generation Z?
Compared to 2015, the shortage of skilled workers has increased by 55 percent, according to the employment agency Adecco historical record value. At the same time, the unemployment rate in Switzerland is at its lowest level for over 20 years. There is almost full employment, says Boris Zürcher, head of the Labor Directorate at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) in the “Club”.
So Switzerland does not have many workers in reserve. What to do about the skills shortage? And how does the younger Generation Z, who are now entering the job market, tick?
Lazy Generation Z?
“Young people no longer want to work until they drop,” says Mira Weingart. The radio presenter, born in 1996, was criticized for this. Her generation is lazy and doesn’t even know what work means, it sounds in the comment columns. “I think such statements come from the frustration of an older generation. They are upset about what we can and are allowed to do – and take from us, »explains Weingart.
This also includes free time. Not only younger people are increasingly opting for part-time work. In 1995 men worked an average of 90 percent, today only 83 percent.
Nursing specialist Patricia Tschannen also works part-time. “Because you just need breaks.” About a third of the nursing staff leave the nursing field completely two years after their training, and Generation Z. Tschannen is also committed to more part-time work, because hardly anyone can get through working 100 percent in a hospital.
Part-time work has its price
For economist Bruno S. Frey, one thing is clear: Of course, everyone should be able to choose their workload freely, but then please bear the consequences: “You can’t work 60 percent with full wages.”
Too much free time can also be harmful, says the happiness researcher: “People are bored, have no contacts, sit at home and watch TV.” Above all, however, contact with other people makes people happy, and you can find them in your job, says Frey.
Or on social media, as young people tend to do these days. One study claims to have found out that members of Generation Z primarily want to become influencers, models or superstars. Is that bad? “No,” says presenter Weingart. “It would be up to us as a society to respect new jobs like influencers.” Influencer, that’s almost a swear word, says Weingart. These people would make good money.
Weingart defends himself against the cliché that young people don’t want to work: “That annoys me a lot”, because Generation Z is all about that How. “We want to work differently, but not less”, keyword balance.
Bruno S. Frey says he never found his passion for science a burden. Even if it fills up the whole day with him – and also the weekend. “It was just my pleasure.”
Weingart has to emphasize at the end: “I can’t speak for a whole generation.” On the contrary, she would want to work even more.
Generation Z is not as homogeneous as is often claimed.