TOKYO - More than half of new employees now say they prefer a seniority-based pay system, reflecting a growing desire for stability among younger generations. Surveys show a sharp increase in those favoring traditional frameworks such as lifetime employment and seniority-based promotion, signaling a shift in mindset among workers once considered open to frequent job changes.
The trend was discussed with Miyuki Takeishi, a researcher at Recruit Management Solutions, who specializes in employee training.
A recent survey of 2025 recruits found that for the first time, over 50 percent said they wanted seniority-based pay and promotion. On the streets, young people echoed that sentiment. One respondent said, "I just had a child, so this is not the time to take big risks. Having guaranteed income growth makes it easier to raise a family." Another added, "If salaries increase simply with years of service, that is the ultimate form of stability."
Yet not all young employees share the same view. Some say they want to “work hard and take on challenges” under performance-based systems. "For me, growth and contribution matter more than just stability. I want to keep pushing myself," one worker explained.
Takeishi pointed to a background of uncertainty fueling the change: "In today’s unpredictable environment, many want assurance as early as possible. Seniority-based systems give a sense that salary and career progression are predictable." At the same time, social media and constant exposure to unsettling news may also be heightening young people’s anxieties, pushing them toward security.
The picture, however, is polarized. Some choose stability, while others pursue growth through job changes. Transfer activity is especially high among employees aged 25 to 34. Takeishi noted, "With job mobility normalized, many use career moves to accelerate personal growth. It’s part of a strategy to become ‘someone’ more quickly."
Data also shows that what new hires value most at work is the sense of growth. They want to feel their skills and careers are advancing, more than competing with colleagues or maximizing salary. In fact, only 11 percent of respondents cited money as their top priority.
Changes are also seen in views of the workplace and managers. Compared with a decade ago, more new employees now expect workplaces where colleagues help each other. They also want managers who guide carefully and provide constructive feedback. Conversely, the idea of being "strictly instructed" has declined sharply. Takeishi explained: "Companies sometimes worry this may result in leniency. But many young workers simply want calm, clear explanations of what was wrong and why, so they can feel secure in their place."
The survey highlights a generational shift in work values, where stability, growth, and supportive guidance are prioritized over harsh discipline or pure competition. For companies, the challenge will be balancing these expectations with the need to foster resilience and performance in an increasingly competitive environment.
Source: テレ東BIZ
