Generation Z wants to move away from traditional roles for careers as gamers or social media professionals, new research has revealed.

The survey of 2,000 young people aged 18 to 29 indicates an increasing desire to align work with personality and passion – and to prioritise wellbeing.

A third of the group (33%) dreamed of being a professional gamer while more than half (56%) would choose to work in social media.

They valued a good work/life balance (73%) and green credentials, with 55% saying they would consider a prospective employer’s environmental impact when debating a job offer.

Many also shunned “office jobs” for ones with a “good work culture”, while more than a third (34%) want to work for a company with a strong mental health support network. Just over a quarter (26%) think a diversity and inclusion programme is important. 

The cohort’s top hobbies were social media (51%), travel (49%) and spending time with friends (41%). A quarter said that gaming was the best way of letting off steam.

Southeastern Rail commissioned the research to understand how the aspirations of young people entering the workforce and in early careers aligned with working in rail.

With an average salary for under 30s of £28,366 and a free travel perk of over £3,000 – plus discounted Eurostar travel to Paris – a role with Southeastern could tick many boxes.

Gaming skills can be put to use in control rooms, while social media whizzes could find a place in marketing. For the sociable there are multiple customer-facing roles.

Steve Foster, People Director at Southeastern, said: “We are working hard to change the perceptions around rail and that means doing everything we can to attract young people to choose a career in rail’s exciting, digital and green future.

“It is clear from this research that the variety of roles Southeastern – and the wider railway – can offer matches really well with the things which are important to young people – such as companies with sustainability focuses, support for all backgrounds, free travel as well as the opportunity to get out from behind a desk and working hours which suit your lifestyle and interests.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never worked in rail before or haven’t been on a train – the important question is ‘can you move people?’ if so – we would love to hear from you.”

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway and the network is evolving at pace. 

Rail is the most environmentally friendly mode of mass transportation and investment is going into the network to ensure it is fit for a green, sustainable future.