For 45% of recent Stem graduates, work-life balance is the first factor when choosing a company

In Italy, for 45% of recent graduates in STEM disciplines, work-life balance ranks first among the factors guiding their choice of work environment. Fundamental in this respect is smart working, which for 89% of young people is indispensable when choosing their ideal profession. The situation is different in other European countries, where the main factor guiding the new generations when entering the labour market are salary conditions, as is the case, for example, in France (61%), Spain (49%), England (48%) and Italy (41%). In second place, in France and Germany, is the work-life balance, while in third place, in England and Italy, are career opportunities.

These are the findings of a survey conducted by Sopra Steria, one of the largest technology players in Europe, entitled "Global perspectives: Which expectations on the job market", and carried out in collaboration with Discurv. The survey, for which more than 3,000 students were interviewed, explores the criteria that guide new STEM graduates under 35 in their search for the ideal workplace in twelve European countries: Italy, Norway, France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Poland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium, and in one non-EU country, India.

Stability and reputation grow from 2023 to 2024 by 7 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. This result reflects an employment landscape in which students' priorities are increasingly diversified and balanced between economic needs, personal well-being and the guarantee of a job that can be a solid foundation for career growth.

Sopra Steria has been awarded the 'Happy Trainee' certification, taking fifth place in the global 'Happy Index Trainees' ranking. In Italy, the company boasts a 92.1% approval rating. Moreover, 80% of those surveyed believe that the working environment fosters a healthy work-life balance.

"Our survey clearly shows a growing interest in STEM disciplines. Big Tech continues to be a priority for young students, but the level of knowledge achieved by companies like ours is particularly significant," commented Alessia Ventrella, HR Director of Sopra Steria Italia. "We have officially received the Happy Trainee certification, which certifies the degree of satisfaction of interns in our company. This achievement further confirms our ability to attract talent by offering a stimulating work environment, fully in line with the expectations of those about to enter the professional world".