What Malta’s future workforce really wants
Malta’s Gen Z is entering the workforce with clear expectations, entrepreneurial ambition, but also financial anxiety. This generation, born between the late 1990s and 2010, represents around 75,000 individuals in Malta (13% of the population), and is already shaping the future of business as both consumers and employees.
These insights come from FreeHour’s Gen Z Survey 2025, a large-scale research study among nearly 3,000 individuals aged 16-25, conducted by FreeHour in collaboration with 20/20 Strategy. The study provides the most statistically robust snapshot to date of Malta’s next generation workforce.
The survey was officially launched during “Adapt or Be Left Behind: AI Is Reshaping Everything,” an Enterprise AI event co-hosted by FreeHour and 9H, which brought together over 150 business leaders, decision-makers, and Gen Z voices for a discussion on AI’s impact on the future of work.
A staggering 89% of Gen Z respondents are considering multiple income streams beyond a full-time job, including part-time work, side hustles, and freelancing. This flexibility is not just a lifestyle choice, it is a response to rising financial pressure. 78% of Gen Z have expressed serious concerns about the rising cost of living in Malta, and 80% are very concerned about their ability to afford a home.
Gen Z in Malta holds high expectations of their employers, and three attributes stand out as non-negotiables: Salary, Work-Life Balance, and Positive Workplace Culture. These are not perks, they are essentials, with over 80% of Gen Zs highlighting the importance of these workplace attributes.
Only 14% of Gen Zs believe current salaries in Malta are very fair, with two-thirds expecting starting pay above €25,000. Furthermore, 69% are open to relocating abroad for better salary and career prospects – a clear signal to employers that the talent drain risk is real.
Beyond these essentials, Gen Z values clear Career Progression, Job Security, Strong Leadership, and the desire for Purposeful Work. These workplace factors are key to driving employee engagement, commitment and retention.
Entrepreneurial ambition also runs strong, with 21% wanting to start their own business.
The study outlines urgent lessons for employers:
- Pay up, level up: Offer fair pay and regular salary reviews, with 60% expecting at least annual reviews.
- Culture counts. Good vibes and work-life balance matter just as much as salary.
- Flexibility is essential: Hybrid work is expected, not optional.
- Support the hustle: Many Gen Zs juggle multiple income streams and expect side gigs to be respected, not restricted.
- Train the gap. Only 16% of Gen Z feel prepared for their careers by the education system. Help bridge the leap from classroom to career with hands-on support and onboarding.
- AI Adoption and Readiness. 80% of Gen Z are already using AI tools on a frequent basis (daily or several times a week), however, 71% lack any AI training. There is a need to offer practical AI upskilling to unlock their full potential and enhance their productivity
The FreeHour Gen Z Survey 2025 is a nationally representative study of 2,945 people aged 16-25, with a margin of error of ±1.8% at a 95% confidence level. It offers insights into Gen Z’s career aspirations, workplace expectations, financial mindset, spending patterns, and engagement with digital platforms, social media, and AI tools.
