by Guisela Chiarella
In the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, businesses in the tourism and commerce sectors rely heavily on young workers. According to a new study by the research institute Format Research, 68 percent of businesses in these industries employ workers under the age of 35, who constitute an average of 36 percent of the workforce. The share rises to 41 percent in the tourism sector, significantly higher than the national average of 23 percent.
Despite their prevalence in the workforce, young employees are becoming harder to find. More than half of businesses seeking to hire workers under 35 struggle to fill open positions, and nearly half—48 percent—of available jobs remain unfilled. The reasons, researchers suggest, are tied to shifting expectations among younger workers.
While 48 percent of young employees report being moderately satisfied with their jobs, and 26.7 percent say they are very satisfied, a quarter of those surveyed express dissatisfaction. Their main concerns: a lack of free time, lower-than-expected wages, and limited career growth opportunities.
In response to the findings, Sergio Bini, the region’s commerce councillor, urged businesses to rethink their approach. He emphasized the importance of leveraging young workers’ creativity and adaptability, particularly in embracing emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
Local legato shop, “Oggi Gelato”, owner, Thomas Biondi explained that “it shouldn’t only be about the salary for the young workers but also about gaining experience. Young people should work for a common goal and it’s up to the owner to create it.”
As Italy grapples with labor shortages in key industries, the study underscores the growing challenge of balancing workforce needs with the evolving priorities of the next generation.
