Chapter Shaping Tomorrow's Workforce : IN Book: Gen Z at Work in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

In an era of rapid transformation in the world of work, Generation Z emerges as a transformative force, reshaping traditional employment models with their distinct preferences and values. As the first fully digital-native generation, they seek flexibility, remote work opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance. This book examines these transformative trends in the context of Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on three diverse and representative countries – Poland, Czechia, and Estonia. Together, these nations illustrate the region’s economic diversity and innovation, offering insights into how local labour markets are responding to the expectations of this new workforce. Grounded in original research, including interviews and case studies, the book presents quantitative analysis to explore Gen Z’s preferences, attitudes, and aspirations. The findings shed light on demographic variations, such as gender and place of residence, and examine how these factors influence work preferences across the three countries. Beyond identifying trends, the book offers practical recommendations, addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by generational change. The narrative unfolds through three interconnected themes – the socio-economic dynamics of Poland, Czechia, and Estonia, the comparative analysis of survey findings highlighting generational similarities and differences, and broader implications for industries, organizational strategies, and regional economies. Special attention is given to emerging work models such as work-from-anywhere (WFA) and workation hubs in Europe, emphasizing their role in shaping regional development and economic policy. The book bridges the gap between academic research and real-world application, making it an essential resource for scholars, researchers, advanced students, and policymakers. Elżbieta Wąsowicz-Zaborek is an Assistant Professor in the International Business Department, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland. Adam Oleksiuk is an Assistant Professor in the Department of International Marketing, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland.