WHERE IS GENERATION Z HEADED? WHAT DO THEY WANT, WHAT DO THEY GET, AND HOW ARE GENERATION Z EMPLOYEES COPING IN TIMES OF CRISES IN THE POLISH LABOUR MARKET?

Purpose: This article attempts to answer questions about what employees of the younger generations, especially Generation Z, are looking for in today's labour market, what they get from their employers, what challenges they face, and what expectations the today’s reality has generated among representatives of this generation. The presented article presents selected results of research conducted among representatives of Generation Z in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical research was conducted by means of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire technique (27 questions). Statistical analyses were performed including - descriptive statistical analysis, attendance analysis, X² association test, and Fisher's exact test. Findings: The results presented in this article indicate problems related to psychophysical aspects affecting the functioning of Generation Z employees-depression, anxiety, poor wellbeing. The conducted research also indicates problems related to the sense of meaning at work, determining the preferred career path of Generation Z, as well as the importance of trust and relationships in the professional dimension. Research limitations/implications: Limited research sample. Originality/value: The article is addressed to scientists and business practitioners who research or employ representatives of Generation Z. The collected data show problematic areas of functioning: lack of sense of purpose, psychological problems, problems with defining professional goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]