Younger workers are often perceived as entitled when it comes to raises and promotions, but a new survey suggests that what some see as entitlement may actually be ambition.
A recent poll conducted by Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll found that hiring managers ranked Gen Z (40%) and millennials (34%) as the most entitled generations in the workforce. However, a majority of hiring managers (61%) also said younger workers today are just as ambitious as previous generations were at the start of their careers.
Canadian job seekers share the perception that younger employees are more likely to expect raises and promotions, but they ranked millennials (42%) higher than Gen Z (26%) on the entitlement scale.
Wage concerns persist for 2025
Despite anticipated wage increases, many companies worry it won’t be enough to retain employees. More than two-thirds of employers expect wages to rise in 2025, but 57% fear that workers will still leave for better pay and benefits elsewhere.
Job seekers are less optimistic. Just over half (51%) believe wages will remain the same in 2025, while 37% expect increases and 13% foresee declines. Women and Gen Z job seekers are particularly skeptical about pay trends, with 60% of women predicting stagnant wages and 22% of Gen Z workers expecting decreases.
Raises and promotions: Who gets them, and why?
Nearly one in five job seekers (18%) report they have never received a raise or promotion or haven’t in the past two years.
Among those who have received one, the most common reasons cited include individual accomplishments (34%), positive feedback from colleagues (34%), and performance evaluations (32%). Employers say performance reviews (47%) and individual achievements (42%) are the primary factors in determining raises and promotions, while only 21% consider an employee’s desire for advancement.
Younger workers appear less likely to ask for raises. The survey found that Gen Z employees were the most likely to have received a raise or promotion without requesting it (79%), compared to 68% of millennials, 65% of Gen X, and 76% of boomers. Meanwhile, only 21% of Gen Z workers reported proactively asking for a raise, compared to 32% of millennials and 35% of Gen X.
While 90% of workers who received a raise or promotion said they felt entitled to it, Gen Z respondents were the least likely to hold this view (83%), compared to 87% of millennials and 99% of boomers.
“As we look at the changing workplace, it’s clear that every generation has its own way of seeking growth and recognition,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International. “Whether it’s seen as entitlement or ambition, the push for raises and promotions shows employees’ desire to move forward and make meaningful contributions in their careers.”
Survey methodology
The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Nov. 11 and 26, 2024, among 505 Canadian hiring decision-makers. The Job Seeker Report was conducted between Nov. 21 and Dec. 6, 2024, among 505 adults aged 18 and older.
