Mexico's Generation Z Prioritizes Work-Life Balance Over Salary
Young workers in Mexico belonging to Generation Z are increasingly quitting jobs that demand long hours and rigid schedules. Engineer Alejandro Guevara left his system‑engineer role after regularly working beyond his contract, citing exhaustion and loss of personal time. Similarly, freelance‑turned‑employee Karen Zúñiga described abandoning multiple positions because they failed to match the flexibility and purpose she sought.
Raúl Santillán, CEO of payroll‑platform FiscoClic, says the cohort is looking for an "emotional salary"—benefits, culture and flexibility rather than higher pay. Data from Randstad show the average tenure of Gen Z employees in their first five years is only 1.1 years, the lowest among generations. Workmonitor 2025 reports 74 % of Mexican Gen Z workers prioritize work‑life balance, 70 % mental‑health considerations, and 68 % salary, contrasted with older workers who still rank pay highest.
The trend signals a shift in Mexico’s labour market, with companies needing to adapt workplace culture and benefits to retain younger talent.