Possessing a higher education diploma increases the likelihood of having a motivating job, but it also comes with higher work pressure and the expectation of being reachable outside working hours, according to a new report by the Social and Economic Council of Flanders (SERV).
The report examines where individuals with low, medium, and high education levels end up in the labour market after graduation and how they experience their jobs. Highly educated individuals tend to find employment in non-commercial sectors, such as education, healthcare, and public administration. The higher the qualification (PhD > master > bachelor), the greater the likelihood of obtaining a leadership position.
Highly educated workers report fewer issues with motivation or a lack of learning opportunities. However, there are differences within this group: bachelor’s degree holders face these challenges more often than those with PhDs. Advantages of higher education also include encountering less routine work, enjoying greater autonomy, receiving more managerial support, and having better access to remote work opportunities.
On the flip side, greater educational attainment often leads to higher levels of work pressure and challenges in balancing work and private life. Around 37% of highly educated employees report experiencing high work pressure, compared to 28% of those with medium education and 27% with lower education. Similar patterns are observed in emotional strain, with 14% of highly educated individuals reporting burnout symptoms, a risk that appears particularly pronounced among bachelor’s degree holders.
The SERV is the official advisory body for Flemish social partners, consisting of representatives of employer and employee organisations. It advises the Flemish government and parliament on social and economic policies, while its research arm, the Foundation for Innovation & Work, conducts studies such as this Workability Monitor.
