A seminar about “Generation Z in the labour market”, organized by CNS "Cartel Alfa" / F.N.CORESI (Confederaţia Naţională Sindicală "Cartel Alfa" / Fundaţia Naţională CORESI) in partnership with EZA and funded by the European Union, took place between 18–21 May 2026 in Amara, Romania. The seminar gathered representatives of workers’ organisations from Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, France, Portugal, Lithuania and Moldova.
The seminar focused on the challenges faced by Generation Z on the labour market, the changing expectations of young workers, the role of education and social dialogue, as well as the impact of digitalisation and artificial intelligence on employment and industrial relations.
The presentations generated lively discussions and meaningful exchanges of experiences between participants from different countries and professional backgrounds. Young participants, including master students and recent graduates, actively contributed to the debates by sharing their own experiences regarding precarious employment, workplace conflicts, difficulties in entering the labour market, unpaid internships, communication barriers between generations, and concerns regarding job security and professional development. Their testimonies added a practical and human perspective to the seminar discussions.
An important practical component of the seminar was the working visit to the Technological High School “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” in Slobozia, where participants met with the school principal and students from the final year classes. The discussions offered valuable insights into the expectations, aspirations and concerns of young people preparing to enter the labour market. Participants exchanged views with the students on career orientation, vocational education, employment opportunities and the challenges faced by young people at the beginning of their professional careers.
The first panel, “Who is Generation Z really? Values, expectations and myths about the youngest generation in the workplace”, explored the social and psychological profile of Generation Z. Speakers highlighted that this generation values flexibility, work-life balance, inclusion, mental health and meaningful work more strongly than previous generations. Discussions also focused on stereotypes often associated with young workers and on the need for employers and institutions to better understand the changing motivations and communication styles of younger employees. Participants debated how social media, economic instability and the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the attitudes of this generation toward work and society.
The second panel, “Generation Z employment needs and the institutional response”, focused on the transition from education to employment and on the difficulties encountered by young people entering the labour market. Speakers discussed institutional programs aimed at youth employment, digital skills development and inclusion policies. Particular attention was given to vulnerable youth categories and unequal access to opportunities. Debates emphasized the gap between educational curricula and labour market realities, as well as the need for stronger cooperation between educational institutions, public authorities and social partners.
During the afternoon session dedicated to “The labour market: between expectations, pressures and realities – Who truly prepares the young employee?”, speakers addressed the mismatch between academic training and workplace expectations. Student representatives and trade union youth leaders described situations in which young employees face excessive workloads, limited mentorship opportunities, low wages and uncertainty regarding career progression. Participants discussed the importance of practical training, internships with adequate protections and the development of soft skills alongside technical competencies.
The panel “Artificial intelligence and the future of work. Generation Z facing uncertainty” generated particularly active discussions. Speakers analysed the rapid transformation of labour markets under the influence of automation and AI technologies. The event also benefited from the participation, through video intervention, of the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Victor Negrescu, who addressed the importance of youth inclusion, quality employment and the role of European institutions in supporting fair labour policies adapted to the new realities of work.
The second day of the seminar began with a session dedicated to “How do we build organizations where Generation Z can evolve? Culture, leadership and sustainable working environments.” Speakers emphasized the need for participatory leadership, transparency and inclusive workplace cultures capable of attracting and retaining young employees. Experiences from Moldova and Lithuania illustrated how youth involvement inside trade unions and organizations can strengthen democratic participation and social dialogue. Participants discussed generational differences in leadership expectations and the necessity for organizations to adapt internal communication and decision-making processes.
During the last day of the seminar, participants took part in a working visit to the Technological High School “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” in Slobozia, where they met with the school principal and students from the final year classes. The discussions with students offered valuable insights into the expectations, fears and aspirations of young people preparing to enter the labour market.
The concluding discussions and evaluation session led to several common points and directions for future action agreed upon by participants:
Generation Z brings new expectations and values to the labour market, requiring institutions, employers and trade unions to adapt their approaches and communication methods.
Quality employment, fair wages, work-life balance and mental health protections are essential priorities for younger workers.
Education systems and labour market policies must cooperate more effectively to facilitate the transition from school to employment.
The seminar successfully created a space for dialogue between generations, institutions, academics and social partners, contributing to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Generation Z in today’s labour market.