PwC: According to 49% of young Poles, the pandemic has reduced opportunities on the labor market

Almost half of young Poles (49%) believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected their chances on the labor market, according to the report "Young Poles in the labor market 2021" prepared by PwC, Well. hr and Absolvent Consulting. At the same time, 18% of respondents claim that they now have more opportunities than before.

Despite the uncertain situation on the labor market, the financial expectations of young people have increased. Compared to the first edition of the survey last year, the median of expectations increased by PLN 500 and currently amounts to PLN 4,500 net. The highest financial expectations, at the level of PLN 5,000, are for medical students and On the list of the most important things at work, high earnings were second (47% of responses; a year ago it was 42%) after gaining work experience (50%).

The pandemic made many more young people pay attention to the type of contract with the employer - the number of people for whom an employment contract is the preferred form of employment is now 74%.

"For young employees, especially in a situation of uncertainty on the labor market, non-wage benefits are also important. Almost half of the respondents indicate the need for access to training at their employers. This is a clear signal that the youngest generations are aware of the need for continuous education and qualifications to improve their qualifications. Maintain your attractiveness on the labor market. It is not without significance that the respondents indicated openness and quick adaptation to changes as the most important competences," said Kaja Podgórna-Strzelec, leader of the Human Capital team at PwC.

A study by PwC, Well.hr and Absolvent Consulting shows that 44% of young Poles prefer remote work to office work, but 56% would choose the traditional work model. Importantly, 6% of respondents say that full-time remote work would be unacceptable for them, also indicated.

"The study confirms that the preferences of employees as to the manner of performing work may be very divergent. Employers, considering the optimal model of work, must very carefully understand in which conditions a given group of employees will be the most effective and engaged. Analytical tools, including those with the use of elements of artificial intelligence can be extremely helpful in this process. Regular checking of the so-called Happiness Index of employees will allow companies to skillfully manage human capital," added Katarzyna Komorowska, partner at PwC, People & Organization team leader.

The authors of the report also asked the respondents what their professional success means for them. For 36% of respondents, a job that is passion will be a success. The success is also evidenced by high earnings (17%), combining work with traveling (12%), the position of an expert or running your own business (9%).

Before taking up employment, young Poles carefully check their future employers. The fact that the company is a good employer is primarily evidenced by the fact that it cares about the good implementation of a new employee, which is a special challenge during a pandemic and remote work. It is also important for young people to transparently communicate their remuneration and a wide range of benefits.

"For young Poles, real actions are important, and not attractive-sounding declarations by employers. Information about decisions taken by management boards during a pandemic and solutions implemented by companies is a source of knowledge for them about how companies coped in a crisis situation and whether they provided their employees with a sense of When choosing an employer, students and graduates also pay attention to the transparency of salaries, the offer of benefits, the possibility of training and development, and the treatment of partnerships.This is an important signal for employers who must focus on specificity and good communication in their approach to the youngest employees. empty declarations and apparent actions have passed irretrievably "- said Joanna Kotzian, co-founder of Well.hr.

According to the respondents, a good employer tries to actively reach young talents - it conducts trainings, workshops and online meetings, supports student organizations and is available to them during job fairs, it was also indicated.

"Undoubtedly, the pandemic is a catalyst for changes in the labor market. Among young people there is a growing awareness of the partnership relationship between employee and employer. Young Poles are also more aware of their expectations and what they can offer themselves. 77.5% of the surveyed students count stable employment, appreciating it more than self-employment. This is good news for large companies and financially stable corporations for which the pandemic and its effects were more benevolent or less tangible from the employee's perspective. and a well-coordinated, cool team. Instead of redesigning performance indicators and tempting with ambitious tasks, it is much better to invest in an efficient organizational culture. It is also worth paying attention to the importance of the role that graduates assign to their superiors. As many as 62% of survey participants say that they want to work with leaders who combine the features of not only a guide and mentor, but also Not a caretaker and advisor," summarized the managing partner of Absolvent Consulting Joanna Tonkowicz.

2,500 students and graduates of universities in Poland took part in the study carried out using an on-line survey in March and April 2021.

Source: ISBnews, PwC, Well. hr and Absolvent Consulting