【Survey Release】While Overtime Decreases, 'Health-Related Resignations' Among Young Workers Double／Realities of 'Resignation and Job-Change Reasons' Among Generation Z (2020-2026H1)

UZUZ Group, which operates employment support services for young people in their 20s, including second-year students, graduates, freelancers, and new graduates, has analyzed 34,686 pre-consultation surveys (from January 30, 2020, to June 30, 2026) and summarized the 'Realities of 'Resignation and Job-Change Reasons' Among Generation Z (2020-2026H1)'.

Summary of Survey Results

・ The percentage of respondents who chose 'due to health issues' as a reason for resignation increased from 10.8% in 2020 to 25.5% in the first half of 2026. For those considering job changes while employed, this reason increased from 4.5% to 11.2% [Figure 1].

・ Monthly overtime of 60 hours or more decreased from 7.1% in 2020 to 2.8% in 2025 [Figure 2].

・ In the combined ranking of reasons for resignation and job changes, 'low income' became a top reason in 2023 and reached 1st place (29.6%) in 2024 [Figure 3].

・ The percentage of respondents hoping for 'weekend off' in their next job remained high throughout the period (36.1% in the first half of 2026). The percentage hoping for 'good financial conditions' increased from 17.0% in 2020 to 26.3% in 2025 [Figure 4].

Background of the Survey

As the labor shortage continues, the recruitment and retention of young workers have become increasingly important for companies. UZUZ Group has been observing the reasons for resignation and job changes among young workers in career counseling. This time, we have compiled the responses since 2020 to summarize the changes in 'why they quit' and 'what they seek next'.

Survey Results

1. 'Due to health issues' increased in both reasons for resignation and reasons for considering job changes while employed

We compared the percentage of respondents who chose 'due to health issues' as either the first or second reason for resignation (for those with resignation experience) and the first or second reason for considering job changes (for those currently employed as regular or contract employees) on a yearly basis.

For reasons for resignation, it increased from 10.8% (205 out of 1,890) in 2020 to 25.5% (141 out of 554) in the first half of 2026. For reasons for considering job changes while employed, it increased from 4.5% (65 out of 1,441) to 11.2% (80 out of 715). The presence of health issues is becoming more significant not only as a reason for resignation but also as a factor in considering job changes while employed.

[Figure 1]

*Note: Percentage of respondents who chose 'due to health issues' as either the first or second reason. The denominator is the number of respondents who answered the question.

2. Monthly overtime of 60 hours or more is decreasing

We asked respondents who are currently employed as regular or contract employees to choose the option that applies to their overtime situation and calculated the percentage who chose '60 hours or more per month (3 hours or more per day)'.

It decreased from 7.1% (103 out of 1,441) in 2020 to 2.8% (42 out of 1,484) in 2025. In the first half of 2026, it was 3.4% (24 out of 715). While long working hours are decreasing, as shown in Figure 1, the number of people considering resignation or job changes due to health reasons is increasing. This suggests that the number of working hours alone may not fully capture the discomfort or turnover risk among young workers.

[Figure 2]

*Note: The denominator is the number of respondents who are currently employed as regular or contract employees and answered the question.

3. 'Low income' ranked 1st in the combined ranking of reasons for resignation and job changes in 2024

We combined the first and second reasons for resignation and job changes and calculated the top 3 for each year (with 21 options common throughout the period).

From 2020 to 2022, 'to get closer to the future direction I aim for' and 'skills are not acquired' were the top reasons. From 2023 onwards, 'low income' became a top reason and reached 1st place (29.6%) in 2024. This suggests that, in addition to career advancement aspirations, income insecurity as a means of living defense is linked to considerations of resignation and job changes.

[Figure 3]

*Note: The denominator is the number of valid response sets for reasons for resignation or job changes.

4. 'Weekend off' ranked 1st throughout the period——2nd place shifted to 'financial conditions'

We calculated the top 3 for each year based on the first and second conditions desired for the next job (all respondents, up to 2 options from 21 choices).

'Weekend off' ranked 1st every year from 2020 to the first half of 2026 (33.4% to 36.7%). The 2nd place was 'welfare is well-provided' from 2020 to 2022, but from 2023 onwards, 'good financial conditions' rose to 2nd place and reached 26.3% in 2025.

It can be seen that young workers are seeking not only high treatment but also the ability to maintain their lifestyle and work continuously without damaging their mind and body.

[Figure 4]

*Note: Percentage of respondents who chose the condition as either the first or second. The denominator is the total number of respondents for the year.

Expert Commentary

I feel that the results of this survey strongly demand a fundamental improvement in corporate human resources strategies. The fact that the consideration of resignation and job changes due to 'health issues' among young workers is rapidly increasing, despite the decreasing trend in long working hours, suggests that the simple solution of 'reducing working hours = improving retention rate' may not be effective. Above all, the fact that the reason for 'health issues' is not clearly understood is the difficult part of this problem.

A notable point is that, in addition to career advancement aspirations, income insecurity as a means of living defense, backed by factors such as rising prices, has become the 1st and 2nd reasons for resignation. Young workers are not only seeking to improve their 'way of working' but also strongly desire an environment where they can 'maintain their economic foundation' and 'balance mental and physical health'. In other words, they are seeking 'more things' compared to previous young workers.

In the future, companies that hire young workers need to present measures not only to reduce 'working (overtime) hours', which is an easily understandable indicator, but also to address young workers' career anxieties and economic concerns. As someone involved in management and human resources, I sometimes think, 'Is there such a difficult problem?' It is important to address the issue of labor shortages not only by relying on 'talent recruitment' but also by linking it with measures such as 'business efficiency improvement'.

Shota Kawabata, Executive Officer, UZUZ Group

Born in 1986, from Kagoshima. After graduating from high school, he studied mechanical and aerospace engineering at Kyushu University. After graduating from university, he joined INAX (now LIXIL), a housing equipment manufacturer. In 2012, he participated in the launch of UZUZ. He has been involved in job support for second-year students, graduates, and freelancers. Since February 2024, he has been the representative director of UZUZ COLLEGE. Currently, he is writing a series on career and human resource development for Toyo Keizai Online.

Survey Overview

Survey Method: Survey conducted when reserving a career consultation

Survey Target: 20-something men and women who are job hunting as graduates or second-year students

Number of Valid Responses: 34,686

Survey Period: January 30, 2020 to June 30, 2026

*Note: In this survey, second-year students are defined as '20-somethings with 3 years or less of work experience as regular or contract employees'.

*Note: The percentage of each response result may not total 100% due to rounding.

Main Questions

Theme

Question

Target

Reason for Resignation

Please tell us the first and second reasons for your resignation.

Those who have experience working as regular or contract employees in the past

Reason for Job Change

Please tell us the first and second reasons for considering a job change now.

Those who are currently working as regular or contract employees

Overtime

Please select the option that applies to your overtime situation.

Those who are currently working as regular or contract employees