“The study helped inform our business strategy moving forward.”
– Gary Swart, Former CEO of oDesk
Dan has conducted more research focused on generations, the future of work, and economic trends than anyone else his age. He has led over 70 research studies in partnership with companies such as Oracle, Amazon, Deloitte, WeWork, American Express, Randstad, and UKG. Schawbel has explored a plethora of issues around hiring, engagement, mental health, corporate culture, digital transformation, employee benefits and leadership. In total, he’s led studies that have collectively surveyed over 3.1 million c-suite, directors, HR leaders, managers, freelancers, job seekers, and students from 26 different countries.
The studies have been covered in over 2,000 media outlets including CNN, USA Today, Men’s Health, Fortune, BBC World News, NPR, LA Times, Fast Company, TIME, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal. He led a study on “The Skills Gap” that was the cover story for Money Magazine’s May 2016 issue and another on “Employee Burnout” that was the cover story for HR Magazine’s June 2017 issue. The findings from his work have been impacted millions of people over the past decade.
Dan is responsible for conducting “The first definitive research in the marketplace to date on Gen Z (Human Resource Executive)”. In addition, he advised and commented on US News & World Report’s first-ever “Best Jobs for Millennials” report
Latest research studies:
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2025
College Graduate Skills
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding 77% of recent graduates say they learned more in 6 months at their job than in their entire 4-year education.
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding 77% of recent graduates say they learned more in 6 months at their job than in their entire 4-year education.
2025 Workplace Vision Health
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding that nearly 3 out of 4 of employees struggle with digital eye strain, 59% say it affects their productivity.
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding that nearly 3 out of 4 of employees struggle with digital eye strain, 59% say it affects their productivity.
2024
Hybrid Working
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding 57% of HR leaders in the Robert Half and Workplace Intelligence survey as a priority for their hybrid work strategy this year.
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding 57% of HR leaders in the Robert Half and Workplace Intelligence survey as a priority for their hybrid work strategy this year.
Employee Growth and Development Study
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding 47% of Gen Z employees say they get better career advice from AI, including ChatGPT, than they get from their manager.
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding 47% of Gen Z employees say they get better career advice from AI, including ChatGPT, than they get from their manager.
2024 Wellness Barometer
A study of 1,400 C-Suite, HR leaders and employees finding that 86% of Gen Z workers are stressed about their finances and have lost 8 hours a week in lost productivity as a result.
A study of 1,400 C-Suite, HR leaders and employees finding that 86% of Gen Z workers are stressed about their finances and have lost 8 hours a week in lost productivity as a result.
2024 State of Workplace Health
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding that more than half of employees are living with chronic conditions, including one-third of Gen Z and Millennial employees.
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding that more than half of employees are living with chronic conditions, including one-third of Gen Z and Millennial employees.
2024 Workplace Vision Health
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding 82% of Gen Z employees work nights and weekends, and 54% report declining eye health.
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding 82% of Gen Z employees work nights and weekends, and 54% report declining eye health.
Human Sustainability
A study of 3,150 employees, managers and C-level executives finding that 80% of CEOs feel pressured by employees, customers and boards to improve human sustainability
A study of 3,150 employees, managers and C-level executives finding that 80% of CEOs feel pressured by employees, customers and boards to improve human sustainability
AI-Enhanced Work Models
A study for 2,500 global workers and C-suite executives finding that 96% of C-suite leaders expect AI to boost worker productivity, but 77% of employees report AI has increased their workload.
A study for 2,500 global workers and C-suite executives finding that 96% of C-suite leaders expect AI to boost worker productivity, but 77% of employees report AI has increased their workload.
AI And Sustainability
A study for 2,400 global workers and C-suite executives finding 75% of C-suite respondents feel their company won’t be able to achieve its sustainability goals without AI.
A study for 2,400 global workers and C-suite executives finding 75% of C-suite respondents feel their company won’t be able to achieve its sustainability goals without AI.
Frontline Workforce
A global study of nearly 13,000 frontline workers finding that 75% of them are burned out and more than half would take more vacation time over pay.
A global study of nearly 13,000 frontline workers finding that 75% of them are burned out and more than half would take more vacation time over pay.
2023
State of Workplace Health
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding that 64% of employees are struggling with their mental health, yet only 19% used their benefits.
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees finding that 64% of employees are struggling with their mental health, yet only 19% used their benefits.
Wellness Barometer Study
A study of 1,400 HR leaders, C-suite, and employees finding 64% of workers say financial stress has impacted their relationships and have passed up social opportunities.
A study of 1,400 HR leaders, C-suite, and employees finding 64% of workers say financial stress has impacted their relationships and have passed up social opportunities.
Advancing Workforce Well-Being
A study of 3,150 C-suite, managers and employees finding that 85% of the C-Suite say companies shoudl be required to publicly report their well-being metrics, but only around 50% report doing it.
A study of 3,150 C-suite, managers and employees finding that 85% of the C-Suite say companies shoudl be required to publicly report their well-being metrics, but only around 50% report doing it.
Employee Engagement in Financial Services
A study of 700 financial service leaders finding 66% would quit if asked to work in an office full-time.
A study of 700 financial service leaders finding 66% would quit if asked to work in an office full-time.
Navigating work in the Age of AI
A study of 1,600 C-suite and employees finding 49% of CEOs believe their role should be automated or replaced by AI.
A study of 1,600 C-suite and employees finding 49% of CEOs believe their role should be automated or replaced by AI.
C-Suites Perceived Use of AI
A global study of 3,000 C-suite, HR leaders, and employees finding that 54% of employees have no idea how their companies are using AI.
A global study of 3,000 C-suite, HR leaders, and employees finding that 54% of employees have no idea how their companies are using AI.
2022
Financial Wellness
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees showing that 75% of workers are stressed about financial issues at work, spending 9+ working hours per week dealing with personal finances
A study of 1,600 HR leaders and employees showing that 75% of workers are stressed about financial issues at work, spending 9+ working hours per week dealing with personal finances
C-Suite Well-Being
A study of 2,100 C-Suite executives and employees showing that nearly 70% of executives are seriously considering quitting their roles for a job that better supports their well-being.
A study of 2,100 C-Suite executives and employees showing that nearly 70% of executives are seriously considering quitting their roles for a job that better supports their well-being.
Remote Work Culture
A study of 1,600 C-Suite executives and employees showing 2 out of 3 execs believe their workers will quit because they feel disconnected, and it’s the top reason workers say they’ll leave.
A study of 1,600 C-Suite executives and employees showing 2 out of 3 execs believe their workers will quit because they feel disconnected, and it’s the top reason workers say they’ll leave.
Upskilling
A study of 4,000 hourly and salaried workers finding that 75% of Millennial and Gen Z employees are likely to quit within the next year due to lack of skills development opportunities.
A study of 4,000 hourly and salaried workers finding that 75% of Millennial and Gen Z employees are likely to quit within the next year due to lack of skills development opportunities.
Fix Work
A global study of 2,300 workers, and 600 C-Suite and 600 HR leaders, finding Nearly half of employees worldwide would not recommend their company nor their profession to their children.
A global study of 2,300 workers, and 600 C-Suite and 600 HR leaders, finding Nearly half of employees worldwide would not recommend their company nor their profession to their children.
2021
Hourly Worker Benefits
A study of 2,000 HR leaders and hourly workers showing that hourly workers should receive the same, or some of the same, benefits as salaried workers.
A study of 2,000 HR leaders and hourly workers showing that hourly workers should receive the same, or some of the same, benefits as salaried workers.
Hybrid Workplace
A study of 2,000 C-suite executives and employees revealing how people want to split their time between different spaces and how it impacts engagement and satisfaction.
A study of 2,000 C-suite executives and employees revealing how people want to split their time between different spaces and how it impacts engagement and satisfaction.
Recognition and D&I
A study of 2,000 HR leaders and employees finding that at companies where recognition incorporates D&I, 3X as many employees are highly engaged.
A study of 2,000 HR leaders and employees finding that at companies where recognition incorporates D&I, 3X as many employees are highly engaged.
Employee Voice
A global study of 4,000 employees finding that employees feel people at their organization aren’t heard fairly or equally, especially Millennials, Gen Z, caregivers and essential workers.
A global study of 4,000 employees finding that employees feel people at their organization aren’t heard fairly or equally, especially Millennials, Gen Z, caregivers and essential workers.
Deferred Healthcare
A study of 1,600 employees and HR leaders finding that over half the workers postponed healthcare during Covid and 65% would give up bonuses for better healthcare benefits.
A study of 1,600 employees and HR leaders finding that over half the workers postponed healthcare during Covid and 65% would give up bonuses for better healthcare benefits.
Workplace Culture
A study of 1,600 employees and HR leaders finding that 77% of respondents agree that remote workers are treated more fairly at companies that offer best-in-class collaboration technology.
A study of 1,600 employees and HR leaders finding that 77% of respondents agree that remote workers are treated more fairly at companies that offer best-in-class collaboration technology.
AI at Work 2021
A global study of 14,600 workers finding that workers believe robots can support their career better than humans can.
A global study of 14,600 workers finding that workers believe robots can support their career better than humans can.
2020
Covid-19’s Workplace Impact
A global study of about 4,000 employees and business leaders examining how they felt their employer responded to the Covid-19 pandemic, their top concerns and lessons learned.
A global study of about 4,000 employees and business leaders examining how they felt their employer responded to the Covid-19 pandemic, their top concerns and lessons learned.
AI at Work V3
A global study of over 12,000 c-suite, HR leaders, managers and employees finding that Covid-19 increased workplace stress, anxiety and burnout and that workers are turning to robots over people for help.
A global study of over 12,000 c-suite, HR leaders, managers and employees finding that Covid-19 increased workplace stress, anxiety and burnout and that workers are turning to robots over people for help.
2019
Technology & Employee Experience
A study of 1,200 HR leaders focused on technologies impact throughout the entire employee lifecycle from hiring to engagement and development.
A study of 1,200 HR leaders focused on technologies impact throughout the entire employee lifecycle from hiring to engagement and development.
Perils of the Open Office
A study of 5,000 workers highlighting the biggest distractions they have in office spaces.
A study of 5,000 workers highlighting the biggest distractions they have in office spaces.
Generation Z
A global study of 3,400 Gen Z workers uncovering the aspects of work that are most important to them.
A global study of 3,400 Gen Z workers uncovering the aspects of work that are most important to them.
Employee Wellness
A study of 1,600 U.S. and Canadian employees on the most important factors in their offices.
A study of 1,600 U.S. and Canadian employees on the most important factors in their offices.
Closing the Skills Gap
A study of 600 HR leaders discovering that the skills gap has gotten wider forcing employers to hire workers without degrees, veterans, and even retirees.
A study of 600 HR leaders discovering that the skills gap has gotten wider forcing employers to hire workers without degrees, veterans, and even retirees.
AI at Work V2
A global study of over 8,300 employees, managers and HR leaders focusing on how AI has changed the relationship between people and technology at work.
A global study of over 8,300 employees, managers and HR leaders focusing on how AI has changed the relationship between people and technology at work.
2019
Technology & Employee Experience
A study of 1,200 HR leaders focused on technologies impact throughout the entire employee lifecycle from hiring to engagement and development.
A study of 1,200 HR leaders focused on technologies impact throughout the entire employee lifecycle from hiring to engagement and development.
Perils of the Open Office
A study of 5,000 workers highlighting the biggest distractions they have in office spaces.
A study of 5,000 workers highlighting the biggest distractions they have in office spaces.
Generation Z
A global study of 3,400 Gen Z workers uncovering the aspects of work that are most important to them.
A global study of 3,400 Gen Z workers uncovering the aspects of work that are most important to them.
Employee Wellness
A study of 1,600 U.S. and Canadian employees on the most important factors in their offices.
A study of 1,600 U.S. and Canadian employees on the most important factors in their offices.
Closing the Skills Gap
A study of 600 HR leaders discovering that the skills gap has gotten wider forcing employers to hire workers without degrees, veterans, and even retirees.
A study of 600 HR leaders discovering that the skills gap has gotten wider forcing employers to hire workers without degrees, veterans, and even retirees.
AI at Work V2
A global study of over 8,300 employees, managers and HR leaders focusing on how AI has changed the relationship between people and technology at work.
A global study of over 8,300 employees, managers and HR leaders focusing on how AI has changed the relationship between people and technology at work.
2018
Closing the Skills Gap
A study of 600 HR leaders focused on the cost of the skills gap and how artificial intelligence is being used to close it.
A study of 600 HR leaders focused on the cost of the skills gap and how artificial intelligence is being used to close it.
AI at Work V1
A study of over 1,300 HR leaders identifying the gap between the way people are using AI at home compared to at work.
A study of over 1,300 HR leaders identifying the gap between the way people are using AI at home compared to at work.
Employee Experience
A study of over 1,600 U.S. and Canadian employees focused on how natural light and views of the outdoors were important perks.
A study of over 1,600 U.S. and Canadian employees focused on how natural light and views of the outdoors were important perks.
The 4-day Workweek
A global study of nearly 3,000 employees finding that they prefer to work 4-day workweeks if pay was kept constant.
Work Connectivity
A global study of over 2,000 managers and employees focused on the important of relationships in-person and online.
2017
Employee Burnout
A study of over 600 HR leaders revealing the employee burnout crisis, the cost of burnout and what companies can do about it.
A study of over 600 HR leaders revealing the employee burnout crisis, the cost of burnout and what companies can do about it.
The Human Face of Remote Working
A global study of over 25,000 employees focused on their experiences working remote and both the benefits and drawbacks.
A global study of over 25,000 employees focused on their experiences working remote and both the benefits and drawbacks.
The Future of Recruiting
A study of over 1,000 HR and job seekers revealing the most desired employee perks and the technology that is transforming recruiting.
A study of over 1,000 HR and job seekers revealing the most desired employee perks and the technology that is transforming recruiting.
Employee Engagement in Finance
A study of 800 employees in the financial services industry examining their workplace needs and what drives them.
A study of 800 employees in the financial services industry examining their workplace needs and what drives them.
Labor Regulation
A study of over 800 HR focused on the cost of regulatory change, compliance and what companies can do about it.
A study of over 800 HR focused on the cost of regulatory change, compliance and what companies can do about it.
2016
Active Job Seeker Dilemma
A study of over 4,100 job seekers and HR comparing the employment outcomes of both active and passive job seekers.
A study of over 4,100 job seekers and HR comparing the employment outcomes of both active and passive job seekers.
The Gig Economy
A study of over 1,500 HR leaders and freelancers probing the drivers and business benefits behind the rise of the free-agent workforce.
A study of over 1,500 HR leaders and freelancers probing the drivers and business benefits behind the rise of the free-agent workforce.
The Skills Economy
A study focused on the most important skills for advancing ones career in the economy, resulting in better salaries and promotional opportunities.
A study focused on the most important skills for advancing ones career in the economy, resulting in better salaries and promotional opportunities.
The Candidate Experience
A study of over 1,200 job seekers and HR focused on how the candidate experience can be improved and how it shapes an employer brand image.
A study of over 1,200 job seekers and HR focused on how the candidate experience can be improved and how it shapes an employer brand image.
Gen Z & Millennials Collide @ Work
A study of 2,000 Gen Z and Millennials comparing their workplace preferences and views of each other.
A study of 2,000 Gen Z and Millennials comparing their workplace preferences and views of each other.
The Future Workplace Forecast
A study of over 2,100 global HR leaders focused on trends like internal career mobility and employee retention.
A study of over 2,100 global HR leaders focused on trends like internal career mobility and employee retention.
Workplace of the Future
A study of over 600 HR leaders focused on how automation technologies are improving the productivity of employees.
A study of over 600 HR leaders focused on how automation technologies are improving the productivity of employees.
2015
Personal Websites
A study focused on how personal websites can help individuals build their personal and professional brand.
A study focused on how personal websites can help individuals build their personal and professional brand.
Millennial Consumer
A study of over 1,100 Millennials focused on what influences their purchases, how to advertise to them, their trust in media and economic setbacks.
A study of over 1,100 Millennials focused on what influences their purchases, how to advertise to them, their trust in media and economic setbacks.
Workplace Flexibility
A study of over 1,200 employees, job seekers and HR focused on the importance of work flexibility, time off and work-life balance.
A study of over 1,200 employees, job seekers and HR focused on the importance of work flexibility, time off and work-life balance.
Global Workforce Leadership
A study of more than 700 leaders in talent and learning management identifying the biggest issues around succession planning, development and skills.
A study of more than 700 leaders in talent and learning management identifying the biggest issues around succession planning, development and skills.
North American Workplace
A study of over 2,600 U.S. and Canadian workers on job satisfaction, productivity and office design.
A study of over 2,600 U.S. and Canadian workers on job satisfaction, productivity and office design.
Millennial Leadership
A study focused on Millennial leadership styles, ambitions, skills and desire for leadership development programs.
A study focused on Millennial leadership styles, ambitions, skills and desire for leadership development programs.
Corporate Culture
A study over 1,800 HR professionals focused on how organizations can support boomerang employees.
A study over 1,800 HR professionals focused on how organizations can support boomerang employees.
Employee Retention
A study of over 2,000 adults about the economic shift in the workplace across different generations.
A study of over 2,000 adults about the economic shift in the workplace across different generations.
Multi-Generational Leadership
A study of over 5,700 professionals to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of leader’s strengths and weaknesses across different generations.
A study of over 5,700 professionals to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of leader’s strengths and weaknesses across different generations.
2014
High School Careers
A study of nearly 4,800 college and high school students uncovering their entrepreneurial ambition, volunteer activities and career aspirations.
A study of nearly 4,800 college and high school students uncovering their entrepreneurial ambition, volunteer activities and career aspirations.
College Career Centers
A study of over 4,100 college students and recent grads on how their career service centers have helped them find jobs and prepare for the working world.
A study of over 4,100 college students and recent grads on how their career service centers have helped them find jobs and prepare for the working world.
Multi-Generational Job Search
A study of nearly 3,000 job seekers and HR professionals focused on what recruiters are looking for when hiring and college’s role in workplace preparation.
A study of nearly 3,000 job seekers and HR professionals focused on what recruiters are looking for when hiring and college’s role in workplace preparation.
Gen Y vs. Gen Z Work Expectations
A global study of 1,000 Gen Y and Gen Z’s compared the workplace preferences of both generations.
A global study of 1,000 Gen Y and Gen Z’s compared the workplace preferences of both generations.
2015 Millennial Majority Workforce
A study of over 1,200 Millennial workers and their managers focused on key business skills projected by the next generation.
A study of over 1,200 Millennial workers and their managers focused on key business skills projected by the next generation.
Generations at Work 2014
A study analyzing the workplace and financial patterns and needs of Gen Y, Gen X and Baby Boomers.
A study analyzing the workplace and financial patterns and needs of Gen Y, Gen X and Baby Boomers.
2013
Multi-Generational Entrepreneurship
A study of over 2,800 Gen Y, Gen X and Millennials comparing their desires to start a business over staying with their current employer.
A study of over 2,800 Gen Y, Gen X and Millennials comparing their desires to start a business over staying with their current employer.
Student Employment
A study on how students are developing their careers during college and their employment opportunities post-graduation.
A study on how students are developing their careers during college and their employment opportunities post-graduation.
Millennials & The Future of Work
A global study of almost 3,200 freelancers revealing a new groundbreaking definition of what it means to be an entrepreneur.
A global study of almost 3,200 freelancers revealing a new groundbreaking definition of what it means to be an entrepreneur.
The Future of Education
A study of over 1,300 students on how they view online learning, believe education is changing and how colleges can help them prepare for their careers.
A study of over 1,300 students on how they view online learning, believe education is changing and how colleges can help them prepare for their careers.
Cost of Millennial Retention
A study showing the hard and soft costs of hiring Millennial workers and the retention programs that will help retain them.
A study showing the hard and soft costs of hiring Millennial workers and the retention programs that will help retain them.
Gen Y Workplace Expectations
A study of 2,000 Gen Ys and 2,000 of their managers to uncover a manager’s criteria for advancement and both groups impressions of one another.
A study of 2,000 Gen Ys and 2,000 of their managers to uncover a manager’s criteria for advancement and both groups impressions of one another.
Generations at Work 2013
A study comparing generations in the workplace including where they are in their professional career and financial challenges.
A study comparing generations in the workplace including where they are in their professional career and financial challenges.
2012
Student Career Development
A survey of 200 students focused on their future career prospects, interest in furthering their education, value of internships and use of social media.
A survey of 200 students focused on their future career prospects, interest in furthering their education, value of internships and use of social media.
The Gen Y Vote
A study of 2,236 Gen Y just before the 2012 Presidential elections probing about their voting behavior, most important issues and who influences their vote.
A study of 2,236 Gen Y just before the 2012 Presidential elections probing about their voting behavior, most important issues and who influences their vote.
Multi-Generational Job Search
A study of 5,268 job seekers from different generations highlighting the resources and sites they turn to when job searching and what they’re looking for in an employer.
A study of 5,268 job seekers from different generations highlighting the resources and sites they turn to when job searching and what they’re looking for in an employer.
Generations at Work 2012
A study that highlights Gen Y workers workplace preferences including company size, employee benefits, industries and entrepreneurial ambitions.
A study that highlights Gen Y workers workplace preferences including company size, employee benefits, industries and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Student Employment Gap
A study of 225 employers uncovered new findings on the student employment gap, skill requirements and the top sources of hire for internships and entry-level positions.
A study of 225 employers uncovered new findings on the student employment gap, skill requirements and the top sources of hire for internships and entry-level positions.
Gen Y & Facebook
An analysis of 50 million Facebook data points discovered gives insights into Gen Y when it comes to their job status, the more common industries and job titles, and their work and personal relationships.
An analysis of 50 million Facebook data points discovered gives insights into Gen Y when it comes to their job status, the more common industries and job titles, and their work and personal relationships.
Most interesting findings:
- Millennials are most likely to have had to move back home with their parents due to financial hardship after starting their careers (28 percent) compared to Gen X (11 percent) or Baby Boomers (5 percent).
- 43% of students say that online education will provide them with courses of the same or higher quality than traditional colleges.
- 87% of companies reported it costs between $15,000 and $25,000 to replace each millennial employee they lose.
- 90% view entrepreneurship as a mindset today instead of the role of a business owner.
- Over 63% of Gen Y workers have a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Median salary across Gen Y is $39,700.
- Average tenure for Gen Y is 2 years (5 for Gen X and 7 for Baby Boomers).
- Gen-Y is connected to an average of 16 co-workers and nearly 700 friends on Facebook.
- 91% of employers think that students should have between one and two internships before graduation.
- 98% of employers view communication skills as being important or very important when hiring for entry-level positions.
- Baby Boomers use social networks as part of their job search (29%) over Gen X (27%) and Gen Y (23%).
- 32% of Gen Y consider themselves to be entrepreneurs compared to 41% of Gen X and 45% of Boomers.