Key Insights from the 2025 Hatch Hotlist Survey

Young Australians are shaping their employment preferences with a strong focus on job security, career growth, and workplace connection, according to the latest survey by Hatch. The study, which polled nearly 2,000 Gen Z and Millennial professionals, highlights the evolving priorities in a rapidly changing work environment.

Top Employers and What Makes Them Stand Out

Google, Canva, and Amazon emerged as the most desired employers. Google is favored for its innovation and growth opportunities, Canva for its mission-driven culture and Australian roots, and Amazon for its diverse career paths and tech advancements. Among the top 20, twelve are Australian-based, including Atlassian, Qantas, and the NSW Government.

Major Concerns for Job Seekers

When evaluating job opportunities, young professionals cite several red flags:

• Unclear career advancement pathways (37%)
• High team turnover (37%)
• Ambiguous role descriptions (33%)
• Limited flexible work options (31%)

Salary transparency is also a critical factor, underscoring the demand for fairness and clarity in compensation.

Adam Jacobs, co-founder of Hatch, noted, "Security is the dominant theme this year. Young people seek stability in an AI-driven world but also desire roles with growth, flexibility, and proper compensation. Top employers excel by providing clear career paths and supportive environments."

The Rise of Side Hustles

Four out of five respondents either have or want a secondary income stream, reflecting a trend towards skill diversification and financial resilience. Jacobs views this as a sign of curiosity and drive, not just economic necessity.

Work Arrangements: Hybrid Takes the Lead

Nearly 90% of those surveyed prefer a hybrid work model, with two to three days in the office deemed optimal for balancing connection and learning. Only 13% favor full remote work (down from 23% in 2024), and 12% prefer full-time office work. Jacobs emphasized that flexible policies are now expected, but structured in-office time is valued for fostering meaningful interactions.

Technology's Role in Hiring

AI tools are increasingly used in job applications, with over half of respondents leveraging them for cover letters or resumes. However, poor hiring experiences are common: 75% report being "ghosted" by employers, leading to feelings of disrespect and reluctance to reapply.

Dr. Arwen Griffioen, Hatch's Head of AI and ML, warned of the risk of application homogenization with AI adoption. "Employers must find new ways to assess personality and culture fit while keeping the human element central," she stated.

Optimism and Gender Differences

Despite economic uncertainties, 79% of young professionals are optimistic about their career outlook, up from 75% last year. Gender differences are notable: women prioritize flexible work (35% vs. 29% of men) and diversity initiatives (22% vs. 14% of men) more highly.

List of Desired Workplaces

In alphabetical order, top employers include ABC, Accenture, Adobe, Airbnb, Allianz, Amazon, ANZ, Atlassian, Canva, Commonwealth Bank, Deloitte, Freelancer.com, Google, Macquarie Group, NSW Government, Qantas, THE ICONIC, TikTok, Virgin Australia, and Woolworths Group. High-growth scaleups like Blackbird and CultureAmp also made the list.