A recent survey by FreeHour has laid bare what Malta’s Gen Z expects from the world of work—and the message is clear: better salaries, more meaning, and leadership that earns their trust.

The study, conducted by consulting firm 20/20 Strategy, surveyed nearly 3,000 young people aged 16 to 25, is the largest of its kind in Malta and offers a rare, data-driven glimpse into how the country’s youngest workers see their future.

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Salary Expectations Clash With Reality

Two-thirds of respondents said they expect a starting salary of over €25,000. That’s around €2,000 a month before tax—a figure many employers might struggle to justify for entry-level roles.

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But for Malta’s Gen Z, that number isn’t about status. It’s about survival.

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With the median salary for under-25s closer to €18,500, the expectations mark a significant gap between what young workers feel they need and what the market is currently offering. Around 80% of respondents cited the cost of living as a top concern, and 89% said they’re worried about being able to afford a home

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Work Is Not Just About Pay

Despite the salary headlines, the survey shows that money is just one part of the picture. Gen Z workers are placing high importance on the things that often get overlooked by employers:

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What’s more, these aren’t abstract ideals. Many young people are already acting on them.

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A full 39% of Gen Z respondents are already freelancing or working on side hustles, while many more are planning to diversify their income. The traditional 9-to-5 is losing its grip—and for many, it never had much of a hold in the first place.

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AI-Savvy, Self-Taught, And Mistrusting Of Influencers

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The survey also sheds light on how this generation learns, shops, and adapts.

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When it comes to AI:

• 80% use AI tools regularly, like ChatGPT

• 71% have had no formal AI training

• 67% actively turn to AI platforms to solve problems

• 92% still use Google as a first stop for search

This is a generation learning independently and quickly. The risk? Businesses that don’t guide this learning will be left behind.

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Meanwhile, when it comes to consumer choices:

• Only 4% say they care about influencers or celebrity endorsements

• 76% prioritise product quality and price

• 59% rely on online and peer reviews

• 37% say they would pay more for sustainable products

In other words, authenticity and value matter more than hype.

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What It All Means For Employers

The takeaway for companies is blunt: Gen Z isn’t waiting to be impressed. They’re choosing where they work, how they work, and what they’ll tolerate. Employers who can’t meet expectations around salary, culture, flexibility, and leadership will struggle to attract and retain talent.

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And while not every job can start at €25,000, young workers are expecting a path that leads there—and they’re watching closely to see who provides it.

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This isn’t entitlement. It’s economics. And ignoring it could be a long-term liability.

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