Generation Z and work-life balance

Newly qualified and younger pharmacists have a reduced work ethic and changed career values compared with previous generations. Communications revolutions such as the internet and social media have driven convergence on attitudes, beliefs and values, and professional roles are treated as more of a job than a career. There is an expectation among young professionals that part-time working and career flexibility is the norm to accommodate lifestyle changes, and such requirements are demanded at an earlier stage of their career. More pharmacists are required to produce the same level of output.

Proposed workforce impact

• Participation rate falls as pharmacists seek a greater work-life balance.
• Attrition rate increases and more pharmacists are required to fill full-time equivalent (FTE) roles as more people take career breaks and part-time jobs.
• The quality of the pharmacy workforce declines as part-time working increases and related experience decreases.

Sources or references

• www.serviceskills.com.au/sites/default/files/4%20CommPharmScan09.pdf

Additional research questions

• What proportion of the under-35 workforce currently works part-time?

Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.