63% of Gen Z Workers Say Their Job Is Just a Stepping Stone, 71% Report Burnout

Loyalty to employers is quickly fading among the youngest generation in the workforce. That’s according to a new survey from Zety, a leading resume templates service. The findings of its Gen Z Workplace Expectations Report were based on a national survey of 1,001 Gen Z workers in the U.S.

The findings reveal a generation navigating widespread burnout while reassessing what makes a job worth investing in long-term. As expectations around culture, flexibility, and career growth evolve, many Gen Z workers see their current roles as temporary stops rather than a place to build and advance their careers.

Key Findings

Launchpad jobs: Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z workers see their current job as a stepping stone, not a long-term career.
Gen Z support gap: 37% don’t feel their employer understands and supports the unique needs of Gen Z workers.
Burnout crisis: Burnout impacts 7 in 10 Gen Z workers, with overwork (76%) and poor management (47%) as the top contributing factors.
Quit triggers: Toxic culture (64%) and poor work-life balance (63%) are the two biggest dealbreakers that would make Gen Z workers quit.
Top workplace perks: Flexible work perks rank highest on Gen Z’s wish list, with 48% prioritizing “work from anywhere” programs and 46% valuing a four-day workweek.

Rethinking Retention for Gen Z

Companies that fail to understand Gen Z risk becoming stepping short-term stops rather than places to grow and advance:

Over one-third (37%) don’t feel their employer understands and supports the unique needs of Gen Z workers.
63% see their current job as a stepping stone, not a long-term career.

This combination of misalignment and career fluidity creates a young workforce that is open to change—and ready to walk away when expectations aren’t met.

Burnout Is the Norm, Not the Exception

Burnout is widespread among Gen Z workers, with 71% reporting they experience it on the job.

The top contributors to burnout include:

Overworked (76%)
Poor management (47%)
Lack of recognition (41%)
Unclear expectations (36%)
Job insecurity (21%)

The Breaking Point: What Would Make Gen Z Quit

With burnout so prevalent, it’s no surprise that work-life balance has become a major tipping point. When it comes to dealbreakers, Gen Z is clear about what they won’t tolerate. The biggest workplace issues that would cause them to resign include:

Overall toxic culture (64%)
Poor work-life balance (63%)
Lack of pay raises (57%)
No career growth opportunities (47%)
Lack of diversity or inclusion (27%)
Company’s values/politics don’t align with mine (22%)
Being forced to return to office full-time (15%)

The Perks That Actually Matter

While Gen Z may be quick to leave roles that don’t align with their career goals, they’re equally clear about what would make a workplace more appealing. The most valued perks include:

“Work from anywhere” or remote work abroad programs (48%)
4-day workweek (46%)
Mental health resources or allotted mental health days (41%)
Unlimited PTO (32%)
Student loan assistance (23%)
Professional development budget (22%)
Pet-friendly office or pet insurance (10%)

“Many early-career professionals are approaching work with a mindset of exploration rather than permanence,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert at Zety. “They’re building skills, testing environments, and figuring out where they can thrive. Organizations that understand this will focus less on forcing loyalty and more on earning it.”