Navigating the waves of wellbeing and work-life balance : a comprehensive analysis of shore and seagoing employees' satisfaction in the shipping industry and the Gen Z challenge

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Dravopoulou, Eleni and Lazakis, Iraklis (2025) Navigating the waves of wellbeing and work-life balance : a comprehensive analysis of shore and seagoing employees' satisfaction in the shipping industry and the Gen Z challenge. In: Annual Conference of Marine Technology 2025, 2025-12-09 - 2025-12-10.

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Abstract

In an era of shifting workforce expectations and heightened awareness of employee rights, the maritime industry faces new challenges in attracting and retaining talent. This paper examines the evolving dynamics of employee satisfaction within the maritime sector, with a particular focus on Generation Z and how their priorities for physical and mental health are reshaping traditional maritime employment norms. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, which includes a literature review, a survey, and interviews with diverse participants, the study explores how organisational policies, job design, and leadership shape perceptions of work-life balance and wellbeing. Findings reveal that while companies have initiated policies aimed at enhancing mental health, work-life balance, and inclusivity, these efforts often lack specificity and empirical validation. Both seafarers and shore-based employees experience high levels of stress and work-life imbalance, with Gen Z employees advocating for flexible contracts that take into consideration their financial wellbeing and more inclusive work cultures.

ORCID iDs

Dravopoulou, Eleni and Lazakis, Iraklis ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6130-9410;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)