Study Shows Generation Z in Germany Working at Record Levels

New research reveals a significant rise in employment among 20- to 24-year-olds, driven by increasing participation in part-time jobs, especially among students.

The employment rate for 20- to 24-year-olds in Germany has risen to 75.9% in 2023, the highest level in decades, according to a study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).
This marks a 6.2 percentage point increase since 2015, significantly outpacing the employment growth rate of older age groups during the same period.
The rise is primarily attributed to a growing number of students taking on part-time jobs, with their employment rate jumping by 19.3 percentage points to 56%.
Employment among non-students in this age group also increased slightly, reaching nearly 86%.
The findings challenge stereotypes about Generation Z's work ethic, showing that their job-switching rates and desired working hours align closely with those of older generations.