Generation Z chooses the healthcare sector, but faces high job dissatisfaction
In a work context marked by the uncertainty caused by artificial intelligence (AI), Generation Z is opting for the health sector as a safeguard against automated technologies. However, this sector presents a concerning paradox: the jobs that attract this new generation are characterized by high levels of job dissatisfaction, leading to a series of studies investigating the emotional and mental strain that workers in this area face.
The Search for AI-Proof Jobs
The growing concern about the potential replacement of jobs by AI has led many young people to seek professions that are less susceptible to this threat. In this context, the healthcare sector has captured the attention of Generation Z, attracted by the stability and sense of purpose it can offer. According to a recent report covering the UK, along with another study conducted in Spain, healthcare workers rank among the most unhappy.
Tech leaders have repeatedly warned that AI has the potential to perform entry-level work tasks and that, by 2030, administrative jobs could be halved due to these technologies. However, notable figures such as the leader of Amazon Web Services have described this outlook as "stupid," suggesting that companies should reconsider such predictions.
High Dissatisfaction in the Healthcare Sector
An analysis conducted by the shift work platform Deputy, which surveyed 1.28 million users, reveals that doctors, paramedics, and even chiropractors are considered the most unhappy workers in the UK. This study shows that nearly 38% of respondents in medical offices and clinics reported dissatisfaction with their jobs, posing a significant problem for the mental health of professionals in the sector.
It is alarming that four out of the five unhappiest jobs in the UK belong to the healthcare field. The causes of this dissatisfaction are varied, but among the most mentioned are long working hours and the enormous responsibility that falls on these workers. This aligns with a similar phenomenon observed in Spain, where a Randstad study concluded that the healthcare sector is the most affected by emotional burnout, with 35.6% of its workers reporting feeling "emotionally drained," a figure that rises to 43.3% for those who have felt this burden in the past.
The Contrast with Other Work Sectors
Unlike the healthcare sector, the job satisfaction study in Spain reveals that public administration employees experience lower levels of stress. In the UK, research indicates that the most satisfied Generation Z workers are those in the hospitality sector.
Specifically, restaurant staff, fast food workers, and café employees report some of the highest job satisfaction rates across all sectors. Additionally, professions such as florists, childcare providers, and cleaners are also associated with notably high levels of satisfaction.
The key to success in these roles seems to lie less in salary or prestige and more in the daily experience they offer. According to the report, these jobs benefit from more structured routines, manageable workloads, and cohesive teams, all of which contribute to establishing a positive work culture.
Emotional Factors and the Future of Work
The phenomenon of job dissatisfaction in the healthcare sector raises relevant questions about the emotional and mental health of Generation Z workers. As this generation enters the labor market, it is essential that the expectations and realities of the professions chosen are addressed.
The fact that the healthcare sector, despite its reputation as a significant option, turns out to be an environment where emotional and physical burdens are so high should be a point of reflection not only for young people seeking employment but also for those responsible for designing labor policies and managing healthcare institutions.
Furthermore, consideration must be given to how AI and new technologies will impact employee well-being in the coming years, and measures should be taken to ensure that these professions are not only economically viable but also provide a healthy and satisfying environment for those serving the community.
Final Reflection
Meanwhile, Generation Z continues to explore its options in the labor market. The decisions they make now will influence the future of work and well-being in critical sectors such as healthcare. It is crucial for this group to be aware of the reality they may face in their professional choices, seeking a balance between stability and personal satisfaction.
To further explore topics related to employment and emotional health in the workplace, we invite you to read more on this blog.
