Signs of distress among younger generations are increasingly evident, widespread, and undeniable. It is difficult not to know, within one’s personal or professional circle—young people between the ages of 18 and 21 who have experienced anxiety, depression, or mood disorders (according to research by the National Youth Council and the National Council of Psychologists in Italy, this affects over 70%).
Yet this discomfort continues to be underestimated or ignored.
Furthermore, 81% of young people now perceive psychological suffering as a common, almost normal experience shared across their generation. We are facing an entire generation carrying a heavy burden—an alarm that must be heard, as it concerns the future of our society.
t is no longer acceptable to interpret youth distress as a purely individual issue. Feelings of inadequacy, distrust in the future, and constant pressure to perform and conform are clear symptoms of a system struggling to support younger generations at a stage in life when they should be at their full potential.
Those entering the workforce are asked to define who they want to become in a fast-moving society that offers neither clear direction nor adequate space. Unstable career paths, lack of recognition, widespread precarity, and a state of ongoing “permacrisis” make it unsurprising that many young people feel exhausted before they even begin.
A common narrative suggests that young people “no longer want to work.” Entrepreneurs, opinion leaders, and the traditional media often accuse them of preferring comfort over sacrifice. However, this perspective overlooks the complexity of reality.
Across Europe, Italy continues to face significant challenges in youth employment. The employment rate among individuals aged 15 to 24 stands at 19.2%, compared to a European average of 34.8%.
At the same time, demographic aging has had a major impact: over the past twenty years, Italy has lost more than one-fifth of its youth population, becoming the country with the lowest share of people under 35 in Europe.
Compensation levels present further concerns. According to INPS, in 2022 the average gross annual salary for workers under 34 in the private sector was €15,616.
Eurostat reports that 10.7% of Italian employees are classified as low-wage earners, earning less than €8.90 gross per hour. This figure only includes companies with more than 10 employees, suggesting that conditions in micro-enterprises, representing the majority of the Italian economy, may be even more challenging.
In a context where wages have yet to adequately adjust to inflation, claims about a “lack of work ethic” appear misplaced. The real issue is the erosion of the value, dignity, and long-term perspective of work itself.
Organizations seek flexibility, a willingness to learn, and initiative. However, to cultivate these qualities, they must first create environments where individuals are valued, respected, and empowered to express their potential.
Compensation alone is no longer sufficient, though it remains important. Restoring meaning at work also requires offering clear career paths, safe environments, accessible training, and genuine opportunities for both professional and personal growth.
At Professional Link, technology is understood as a tool to improve the quality of life, not an end in itself. People, with their needs and aspirations, come before any infrastructure.
With this perspective, we strive to contribute to meaningful change by:
Hiring young people through contracts that provide visibility into stable, long-term career paths
Investing in continuous learning, equipping individuals with tools for both professional and personal development
Building a workplace where everyone feels welcome, recognized, and free to be themselves
Promoting intergenerational dialogue, valuing both fresh perspectives and accumulated experience
Developing projects that create value not only for clients but also for the broader social fabric
At PLINK, we act on the belief that the future is not something vague to wait for, but a shared responsibility to actively shape together.
When young people stop looking ahead, society faces a serious risk.
Every organization—regardless of size—can play a role in changing their current trajectory. Even small, intentional actions can help create environments where work once again becomes a source of meaning and dignity.
If an entire generation feels exhausted before it begins, the issue lies in the world we have created—and changing that world is our responsibility.
At Professional Link, this commitment is reflected in our approach to business through culture, art, and beauty—essential elements in building creative, stimulating, and sustainable work environments.
Fonti
INPS Observatory
World Health Organization (WHO) – Suicide data
On March 21, 2025, Professional Link had the opportunity to meet with senior students at a scientific high school in the Como area. The session focused on "the future", the value of art, and the role of culture in organizations.
The discussion, involving approximately ninety students, was both engaging and insightful, reinforcing the importance of dialogue between education and business in shaping shared visions of the future.
We shared our perspective: A model that prioritizes not only economic outcomes but also the value of time spent at work and the quality of human relationships. The exchange deepened our awareness of the social responsibility every organization carries.
We conducted a survey during the session to better understand students’ perceptions, expectations, and concerns about the future.
What concerns you most about the future?
What matters most in building a career?
What impact will the spread of artificial intelligence have?
Responses ranked by perceived importance among students