Generation Z in Greece is struggling to achieve stability and independence amid an uncertain job market and rising living costs.
A new nationwide survey, “Youth and Work 2025,” conducted by the Labor Institute of the Greek General Confederation of Workers (INE/GSEE) in collaboration with research firm ALCO, shows that young Greeks under 29 are working hard but remain trapped in a cycle of low wages, limited opportunities, and increasing burnout.
Economic dependence and limited independence
Only 20% of young workers live on their own, while nearly 45% still reside with their families, a number that rises to 65% among part-time employees. Just 30% contribute to rent or housing costs. A striking 70% say their income is not enough to cover basic needs, and 62% admit they rely financially on their parents.
The report attributes this dependence to low wages, high housing costs, and weak social support, which delay both financial autonomy and adult milestones such as forming a household or starting a family.
Education – employment mismatch
According to the findings, 38% of respondents work in fields unrelated to their studies, and 49% feel their education did not prepare them for the job market. Despite this, 86% express a strong desire for continuous learning, and 65% feel confident in their digital skills.
Researchers warn of a growing disconnect between education and employment, reflecting not only gaps in the education system but also the limited ability of Greek businesses to utilize young talent. As a result, many highly educated young people find themselves in low-skill, low-pay jobs, fueling frustration and underemployment.
Daily work pressure and mental strain
The survey shows that 62% of young workers believe their jobs negatively affect their personal lives, while 60% report feelings of burnout. Nearly half say their work harms their health or sleep, and only 21% feel they have a healthy work-life balance.
Researchers highlight a worrying trend. A culture of overwork and limited emotional support, where mental resilience is left to individuals. With long hours, performance pressure, and weakened labor protections, Generation Z experiences growing emotional fatigue and detachment from their work.
Values, priorities, and the meaning of work
Mental health now outweighs financial security for 70% of young workers, while 73% believe their jobs should offer meaning beyond pay. Nearly half (47%) see work as a source of self-worth, yet 44% say they would quit if their job didn’t align with their values, even at the cost of losing income.
Only 36% feel encouraged to express ideas at work, and just 24% say creativity is recognized. At the same time, 72% want to work for companies that respect the environment and society — though 65% admit they would accept informal or “off-the-books” employment if no other option existed.
The report concludes that this generation values authenticity, creativity, and emotional balance, yet faces a labor market that rarely supports those ideals.
Generation Z in Greece: Trust, Representation, and Collective Action
Institutional trust remains low. Only 15% of young workers say they trust labor protection mechanisms, while 65% express clear distrust. About 30% report having a union or workers’ representative in their workplace, and 36% have participated in a strike or protest.
Despite this skepticism, 67% say they would join collective action if they believed the cause was fair — a sign that while confidence in institutions is weak, the willingness to act collectively remains strong.
Uncertain futures and the risk of a new brain drain
The majority of respondents (72%) see no promising career prospects in Greece, and only 9% feel satisfied with their professional outlook. Nearly half (46%) are considering working abroad, while 79% believe their parents’ generation enjoyed better social and work conditions.
Most (65%) say that under current conditions, starting a family is not feasible. Yet, despite anxiety about the future, 53% express comfort working with artificial intelligence — suggesting openness to technological change, even as they fear being left behind.
The survey concludes that Greece’s young workers are educated, socially aware, and value-driven, but trapped in an environment of low expectations and structural insecurity.
Without better wages, stronger job stability, and investment in mental health and education, researchers warn, Greece risks another wave of youth emigration.
