Young Hungarians Value Social Impact and Growth More Than Paychecks

Freshly graduated students of MCC
Tamás Gyurkovits/Hungarian Conservative
A new survey shows that Hungarian students value meaningful work, flexible conditions, and teamwork more than salary alone. For most, social impact, proximity to home, and opportunities for growth are key factors in choosing a job.

Hungarian students place a strong emphasis on the social value of their future workplaces, according to a recent survey by Job Force student employment agency, part of the Work Force Group. Eight out of ten respondents said they are motivated if their job has a positive impact on the community, while six out of ten would prefer to work alongside a friend or acquaintance.

The online survey, conducted with nearly 1,000 students, also revealed that distance is a decisive factor. 71 per cent are only willing to commute for up to an hour, and 62 per cent consider it important that their workplace is close to home. Remote work is attractive to 41 per cent, though it is rarely a top priority.

In terms of workload, two-thirds of students would prefer to work between 21 and 40 hours a week, while one in five would choose fewer than 20 hours. When it comes to pay, many are flexible. 35 per cent said they would accept lower wages if the job contributed to their long-term career, and 47 per cent would compromise on salary for a particularly exciting or engaging position.

The survey also highlighted that 55 per cent of students believe experience gained in part-time jobs can provide a real advantage later when applying for full-time positions. About half of the respondents noted that they would seek to build on the knowledge and skills acquired during student work in their future careers.

Head of Job Force student employment agency Papp Tamás explained that the findings show the next generation of employees value flexibility, teamwork, and meaningful work as much as, or even more than, salary. Employers who focus on creating an inspiring, development-oriented workplace may find it easier not only to attract young talent but also to retain them in the long run.

Work Force Kft, a 100 per cent Hungarian-owned company, has been active in HR consulting, temporary staffing, and recruitment since 2003, serving clients across manufacturing, production, and the services sector.


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A new survey shows that Hungarian students value meaningful work, flexible conditions, and teamwork more than salary alone. For most, social impact, proximity to home, and opportunities for growth are key factors in choosing a job.

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