Gen Z workers seek career growth, job stability – survey

MANILA, Philippines — At least half of Filipino Gen Z professionals are motivated to stay with their current employers because of opportunities for career growth, according to global recruitment specialist Robert Walters.

In its new report, Robert Walters pointed out that organizations must focus on upskilling and career development as key strategies in keeping their Gen Z employees onboard.

“Gen Z is not afraid to move quickly if their developmental needs are not met. They view a career as a series of challenging roles rather than a single, long-term commitment,” said Kimberlyn Lu, CEO at Robert Walters Southeast Asia.

The Robert Walters 2026 Salary Survey revealed that 50 percent of Filipino businesses use mentorship and guidance to attract Gen Z professionals.

Gen Z professionals still see the importance of clear and concrete hierarchical structures at work where “senior-junior” relationships are established, the report noted.

Robert Walters said 56 percent of Gen Z professionals prefer a transformational style of guidance where mentors can actively “show the ropes” in how the workplace functions and performs. This is compared to the 34 percent who preferred a hands-off approach in leadership, Robert Walters added.

The firm disclosed that nearly half (49 percent) of Gen Z professionals across Southeast Asia see themselves staying at a company for just one to two years while 32 percent expect to remain for three to five years.

In the Philippines, 78 percent of Gen Z professionals see job security and stability as their priority in employment decisions, Robert Walters said.

This indicates that Gen Z professionals prefer financially resilient companies that assures their employment, particularly when the market is competitive and volatile, it added.

“To retain this dynamic generation, companies must move beyond mere salary packages and actively invest in tangible growth pathways and leaders who can genuinely inspire their teams,” Lu said.

Gen Z professionals are also more open in discussing their salaries openly or with their close colleagues, indicating that Gen Z professionals are aware of their coworkers’ salary packages or earnings, Robert Walters said.

“Retention is no longer influenced by just competitive salaries. Assurance on job security and upward mobility within the company are now becoming the trends for professionals to stay in their current companies,” Robert Walters added.