Gen Z Office Workers Across Countries Reject Promotions for Work‑Life Balance

Office employees, particularly members of Generation Z, are increasingly turning down opportunities for promotion. Surveys in several countries show that only about 6 % of Gen Z workers aim for senior managerial roles, preferring to keep a balance between work and personal life.

The reluctance is driven by concerns over added pressure, larger team responsibilities and long hours. Tomasz Szklarski, CEO of Enpulse, notes that “the size of the teams a manager must oversee is growing, making the role heavier than before.” Many young professionals also report that salary increases and benefits accompanying a promotion do not compensate for the loss of personal time and increased stress. Consequently, some are even leaving higher‑paid positions for lower‑paid jobs that offer greater flexibility and health benefits.

The trend is observed in Asian firms and elsewhere, reflecting a broader shift in career priorities among younger workers.