US: Job security and new job characteristics

With lockdown restrictions now easing, America prepares to distribute vaccine doses around the world. But while normal life resumes, do Americans feel secure in their jobs?

YouGov data reveals that, despite the return to normality, over the last three months, there has been no notable change in the percentage of Americans who feel more secure in their jobs (6% in March, 5% in April and 7% in May).

Perhaps because of this, our data also indicates that younger US adults are more likely to be on the hunt for a new job in the next twelve months. About seven in ten Americans (72%) between the age of 18 to 24 years are on the lookout for a better opportunity, while 64% of 25-34-year-olds are too.

When asked about their work preference, millennials and Gen Xers are more likely to support the idea of working from home than Gen Z (65% and 58% vs 55%). As ManpowerGroup President Becky Frankiewicz said, “It’s a worker’s market and employees are acting like consumers in how they are consuming work – seeking flexibility, competitive pay and fast decisions”. This data suggests that younger Americans are keen on flexible working models while some employers seek the return of their staff to workplace.

Perhaps soon, the popularity of hybrid working models could encourage more Americans to return to workplace and kick-start a significant growth in job security.

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Methodology

YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. YouGov Profiles data referenced is based on a sample size of 81637 US adults aged 18 and over. Online interviews were conducted between May 2020-May 2021. YouGov Profiles data is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race. Learn more about YouGov Profiles.