Young Indonesian talent optimistic about future stability, finds LinkedIn study

As a young and growing population, the Millennials generation have begun making its mark on the Indonesian workforce. A LinkedIn research found that in a matter of years, the up and coming Millennials group will represent the largest demographic in all workplaces. In Indonesia specifically, the country's newly elected presidential cabinet and state-owned enterprises are hiring more young talent to join the senior level management.

For young Indonesians, career and life goals are of greatest importance. The locals are specifically keen on pursuing opportunities that provide them with greater work-life balance, the chance to pursue their passion and being able to utilise these skills.

However, Indonesians too face the growing global challenge of getting hindered by “opportunity gaps”.

These include barriers to opportunity such as lack of networks and connection, financial resources, age and a difficult job market. Despite these barriers in the way, Indonesians are optimistic about future stability. They have confidence in the country's economic growth potential, along with access to pursue opportunities that they identified as important. With 44% of Indonesians seeking opportunities to pursue their passion as well as a solid outlook on their personal finances in the next 12 months, the report added that almost one in three Indonesians are hoping to start their own business. This stood out for Indonesia, alongside Philippines and Mexico, compared to the rest of the markets.

The research also revealed higher optimism among Indonesians living in urban areas, as well as those with a higher level of income and education. As a whole, Indonesians largely feel that they are financially better off than their parents, compared to when they were at the same age.

In addition, the LinkedIn research also highlighted that age will become more of a key barrier to older generations with a higher proportion of Gen X and Boomers citing difficulties in overcoming it, as compared to Gen Z and Millennials. Age manifests as different opportunity gaps for other age groups, as 25% of Gen Z do not have sufficient work experience, while 25% of Millennials have been said to lack the right connections.

Olivier Legrand, managing director, LinkedIn in Asia Pacific said that for the first time, four generations are working together and businesses have to set aside hiring biases against age, and embrace the multigenerational workforce as an opportunity.

“The biggest skills gaps that we see today are soft skills among Gen Z and Millennials, and tech skills among the older generation. We encourage companies to hire for complementary skills and to promote collaboration and bi-directional mentorship among their workforce. This is also a journey that we are working through at LinkedIn because we believe that a multigenerational and diverse workforce is a business advantage and driver of growth,” Legrand added.