Gen Z 'lily padding' job hopping trend linked to higher pay and skill gains

A trend of frequent job changes among young workers, called "lily padding," is associated with faster salary growth, according to recent reports.

• A 2024 global survey by Randstad found the average tenure of a Gen Z employee in the first five years is 1.1 years, compared with 1.8 years for millennials and nearly three years for older generations.
• A 2025 Wealthify report found that UK workers who changed jobs four or more times in a decade earned 31% more than those who did not.
• Brittany Harris-Nelson, who has held 10 jobs at six universities over 10 years, said each role helped her build skills for her current position.
• Nicola Grant, chief people officer at Hiscox, said younger employees are more willing to move if their development slows or options are limited.