HAPPINESS AT WORK AND INFORMATION: PERCEPTIONS OF YOUNG APPRENTICES
PERCEPÇÕES DE JOVENS APRENDIZES
Keywords:
happiness at work; media literacy; employability.Abstract
Happiness at work has become an increasingly relevant topic in light of changes in the labor market and the growing influence of digital media on young people's professional expectations. This study aimed to analyze how perceptions of happiness at work vary among different age groups of apprentices, considering the influence of media literacy and employability skills. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses through questionnaires and thematic analysis of participants’ responses. The results showed that adolescents aged 14 to 17 place greater importance on interpersonal relationships and a collaborative work environment, whereas older young adults demonstrate increasing concern with professional growth, financial stability, and work-life balance. A gradual decline in the average perception of happiness at work was also observed as age increased, accompanied by a greater appreciation for quality of life over higher salaries. Qualitative findings revealed that social media and media content significantly influence expectations regarding careers and professional success, highlighting the importance of media literacy in fostering a more critical and realistic understanding of work. It is concluded that happiness at work is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced both by objective workplace conditions and by individual competencies related to employability and the critical interpretation of information in digital environments.