Zurich – November 05, 2026 -- Half of high-performing Generation Z professionals in the DACH region see their career perspective with their current employer extending beyond four years, according to a new study from consultancy Kitoko People.
Kitoko People surveys 2,000 competition-level candidates across three countries
"Generation Z Top Talents: DACH Study 2026" draws on a sample of 2,000 high-performing candidates from the talent competitions WorldSkills Germany, SkillsAustria and SwissSkills. Kitoko People, which specializes in Generations Z and Alpha, reports marked differences between countries and occupational groups. The source does not provide the country-level figures.
Pay does not decide retention or willingness to switch jobs
The study finds that remuneration is not the deciding factor in retention or readiness to change employers. What matters more is how well companies involve the different generations in the value-creation process, according to the consultancy.
The finding challenges the widespread image of a job-hopping Generation Z. Kitoko People says the picture can now be revised, since half of the top talents plan to stay more than four years.
Dissatisfaction with managers and trainers emerges as a leading reason to leave
A significant share of respondents cite dissatisfaction with their direct manager or trainers as a reason for changing jobs. That elevates the importance of training, onboarding and internal dialogue. Kitoko People concludes that building leadership and training competencies inside companies would strengthen medium-term retention of younger employees.