Roy Ying says young Hong Kong people stand in dire need of clearer career guidance and better internship opportunities

“Lying flat” describes the attitude of some young people opting out of the traditional work culture. It is worrying to see many young people themselves embrace this label. A survey conducted by The Young Women’s Christian Association revealed that 48 percent of respondents would support their friends in adopting “goblin mode” or “lying flat”. Employers have also voiced frustrations over the perceived lack of motivation among Gen Z employees. Meanwhile, statistics from the Employees Retraining Board show that 36.1 percent of young people in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who are neither studying nor working, have no plans to seek employment.  

As a faculty member at a local university, I have observed a growing trend among graduates who opt to delay entering the workforce, with an increasing proportion of them pursuing postgraduate degrees. At first glance, it suggests that young people are investing in additional skills and qualifications. However, it could also be interpreted as a way for them to postpone the challenges of the job market for another two years. This observation aligns with findings from a focus group discussion I conducted for the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resources Management (HKIHRM) last year. Several middle school students admitted that, due to uncertainty in the job market, they would rather extend their time at university than face the stress of jobhunting.

Despite these concerns, the statistics from the HKSAR paint a slightly more optimistic picture. Youth unemployment among 15-19- and 20-29-year-olds dropped from a peak of 15.3 percent and 6.4 percent respectively in Q3 2023 to just 6.9 percent and 5.4 percent in January 2025. This figure is much lower than the global average youth unemployment rate of 13.79 percent. Compared to other nations and jurisdictions, Hong Kong’s youth unemployment rate appears to be something to celebrate. However, these numbers may not tell the full story. According to the definition of unemployment, only individuals who are not working, actively searching for work, and immediately available to start a job are classified as unemployed. For example, if a university student decides not to seek employment and has no intention of applying for a job, they are excluded from unemployment statistics.

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Adopting “goblin mode” has become a global phenomenon. In Japan, only 30 percent of young people believe climbing the corporate ladder is important, according to a survey by the Japan Research Institute. Instead, many prioritize having a fulfilling job and enjoying their time at work. Similarly, in Singapore, 17,000 young people aged 15-24 fall into the NEET category — not in employment, education, or training.

A recent survey conducted by the MWYO think tank sheds light on why this might be happening. Among young people in Hongkong, work-life balance outranks career prospects as the top priority in an ideal job. The survey found that work-life balance scored an average of 8.26 out of 10 in importance — higher than any other job attribute. This shift in priorities reflects a growing trend among younger generations to seek personal fulfilment over professional ambition.

What can we do to reverse this trend? Some employers have already taken steps to upgrade their attractiveness by improving working conditions, offering paternity leave, allowing flexible working hours, hybrid or remote work options. Yet, the number of NEET individuals continues to rise. Perhaps it’s time to address the root causes of this phenomenon.

Research by Shu Yan University in Hong Kong found that 80 percent of secondary school students are uncertain about their future, yet they are expected to decide on their higher education programs in December via the Joint University Programmes Admissions System.  One of my students once shared, “It was very hard when you were 17 years old having to make this decision, especially when you just didn’t know enough.”  I couldn’t agree more. I have seen students struggle after enrolling in programs that didn’t align with their interests or career goals. This lack of direction early in life may contribute to the hesitation many young people feel about entering the workforce.

The HKIHRM has proposed to make internships mandatory for all university students. Employers value graduates with internship experience, especially those who have worked in multiple industries. These candidates are seen as more mature and less likely to switch jobs frequently.

In some fields, such as hospitality and health services, internships are already a graduation requirement. Expanding this to all undergraduate degrees could help students gain practical experience and better plan their career paths. However, implementing such a program would not be without challenges. Even if employers were willing to offer sufficient internships, it is not easy to motivate students to actively take on these roles.

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Noting the challenges, HKIHRM has suggested a phased approach to implementing mandatory internships, with support from the SAR government, universities, and employers. Subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises could also help create more internship opportunities, making it easier for students to gain hands-on experience. With government funding, students would also have the assurance that internship programs are properly vetted and come with reasonable pay.

The debate over whether young people prefer “lying flat” is complex, with no simple solution. While some evidence suggests a lack of motivation, other indicators show that young people have shifted their priorities toward work-life balance and personal growth. To address this issue, we need a multifaceted approach. This includes clearer career guidance for students, better internship opportunities, and stronger collaboration between the government, universities, and employers.

The author is a senior lecturer, the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, and co-chair, the Advocacy and Policy Research Committee, the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resources Management.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.