Working culture a major draw for younger job seekers

According to a new poll from Breathe HR, a large majority of younger workers now prioritise working culture in their job searches. The study of around 1,300 people claims that workers aged 18-34 are more likely to consider company culture (86 percent) when applying for jobs, compared to those working aged 55 and over (66 percent). In addition, 81 percent of 18–34-year-olds are more likely to ask about company culture in an interview than over 55-year-olds (57 percent) and four-fifths of UK workers say they would not apply for a role that had “unrealistic expectations”.

The survey claims to reveal interesting shifts in mindset amongst different workforce generations. Company culture is a top priority when job hunting, particularly amongst the younger generation of 18–34-year-olds, who are more likely to consider this than those aged 55 and over. It also uncovered people are focused on protecting themselves against burnout, with an overwhelming 81 percent stating they would not apply for a role that had unrealistic expectations. The younger generation of workers value strong communication, with 78 percent saying they would be put off a job listing that didn’t include salary expectations. Interestingly, 74 percent of over 55-year-olds cited no salary listing as an issue.

Key findings:

Company culture a top priority

• Workers aged 18-34 are more likely to consider company culture – 86 percent
  • Compared to those working aged 55 and over – only 66 percent
• 18–34-year-old workers are more likely to ask about company culture in an interview than workers over 55
  • 81 percent vs 57 percent

• 70 percent of UK workers say evidence of a good company culture is important when thinking about looking for another role
  • 83 percent say flexible working – a response to working habits formed during the pandemic
  • Interestingly, nearly a quarter of workers (24 percent) said that career development opportunities are not as important to them
• Over three quarters of UK workers (76 percent) say they consider company culture to some degree when choosing where to work
  • 13 percent say it is the top factor for them
  • 41 percent say it is a key factor they consider

Lack of communication is a big turn off

• A lack of communication post-interview was the top factor from an interview that would make workers less likely to accept any job offer from a company (64 percent). This was followed by:
  • Overly selling the company in the interview (57 percent)
  • Not meeting the people you would work with (51 percent)
• 78 percent of 18–34-year-olds would be put off by a job listing that didn’t include a salary
  • Compared to 74 percent of over 55-year-olds

Protecting against burnout

• An overwhelming 81 percent say they would not want to apply for a role if it had a job description with unrealistic expectation
  • This is followed by having no salary listed (77 percent) and non-specific descriptions of the role (75 percent)
• 53 percent say they would be less likely/never would apply for a role that didn’t mention company culture