The big picture: A new Goldman Sachs survey reveals that 8 out of 10 Gen Z and millennials are working extra jobs, primarily out of necessity, as economic pressures like inflation and high housing costs derail retirement savings.

Why it matters: This trend highlights a significant shift in workforce behavior driven by financial insecurity, impacting employee focus, retention, and the overall talent landscape for employers.

Between the lines:

• 76% of Gen Z and 73% of millennials require additional income to meet basic living expenses.
• 69% of Gen Z and 67% of millennials struggle to focus at work due to financial stress.
• Only 39% of respondents increased their savings in 2026, a significant drop from 55% previously.

Staffing & HR impact: The prevalence of multiple jobs among younger generations suggests increased burnout risk and potential challenges in talent retention, as employees prioritize higher wages. Recruiters may find candidates more motivated by compensation, impacting salary negotiations and overall talent acquisition strategies.

The bottom line: The affordability crisis is reshaping career priorities, forcing a reevaluation of compensation and benefits strategies to attract and retain a financially stressed workforce.