Many millennials struggling with work-life balance, Xing survey finds

Balancing a career and family is (very) important for around 85 per cent of respondents and for slightly more women (89 per cent) than men (81 per cent). "The big challenge for millennials on the labour market is that many have to advance their careers even though  they often have small children at home who need care," said Julian Stahl, Xing labour market expert. One in five (20 per cent) of those surveyed in Generation Y feel that they receive little or no support from their employer. Only Generation X expressed even more discontent with their employer (25 per cent).

"Millennials find themselves wedged between generations with a high work ethic, and which coined the term 'burnout'. That generation is aware of its powerful position on the labour market and stands up confidently for new work ideas," said Stahl. Unlike other generations (GenZ: 19 per cent, baby boomers: 23 per cent), almost a third (27 per cent) want more employer support for a better work-life balance. However, women in particular (21 per cent) have criticized their employer for not encouraging their efforts to balance work and leisure time and for overburdening them (14 per cent)

GenY said their own interests are more important than those of the company and their colleagues with every second employee surveyed (50 per cent) answering "yes". Women, in particular (52 per cent), tended to be more self-confident than men (48 per cent). And this self-confidence is justified, Stahl said, adding: "GenY is increasingly taking management positions in the economy. On the one hand, they need to make professional activities attractive to Generation Z, and on the other hand, they have to meet the baby boomers’ demands. Thus, they make a significant contribution to a company’s success." Yet, more than a third of respondents felt (34 per cent) eclipsed by younger colleagues. However, millennials and Generation Z view older employees similarly. Around half of GenY and GenZ respondents (48 per cent) believe that older colleagues are too quick to settle their demands, do not demand enough personal benefits (46 per cent) or do not stand up enough for their demands towards their employer (43 per cent). Generation Y has a special role to play here, Stahl said. They can foster talent, lead on an equal footing and act as a point of contact for professional and emotional issues.
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