“Young people are lazy and uncommitted” – Debunking myths about Gen Z as a workforce

You might think, why should anyone care about Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012? Shouldn’t they be figuring out how to navigate working life, as it is now? While people are free to do as they please, grasping how Gen Z – the largest generation in history – thinks and operates will determine who will attract the top talent in the future. Understanding the nuances between generations, their motivators, and the underlying reasons can also prevent age-based assumptions and dispel damaging stereotypes.

A common myth is that Gen Z lacks loyalty to their employers. While there’s some truth to this perception, it does not tell the whole story. According to CareerBuilder’s 2021 data, Gen Z employees typically stay at a job for an average of two years and three months, switching between jobs more frequently than any other generation. In contrast, boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) typically remain in the same job for an average of eight years and two months. This turnover might be viewed as a lack of loyalty, but there are underlying reasons for this behavior. For Gen Z, there is no stigma associated with changing jobs regularly, or even being unemployed. Many are willing to take the risks involved with quitting even without another job lined up. Additionally, a significant number of Gen Z workers report feeling disconnected to their colleagues, leaders, or employers, which can influence their decision to seek new opportunities.

Some may view this trend as concerning, suggesting that Gen Z lacks respect for hard work. But why should loyalty towards an employer be considered a respected value? Isn’t it healthy for Zoomers to give higher importance and loyalty to other areas in their life? Whether you agree or disagree, employers must adapt to this reality and devise new strategies to engage and retain their younger workforce, as Gen Z has discovered that changing jobs often leads to better career prospects and personal growth opportunities.

From an employer’s perspective, this changes the game and requires more effort than offering “a great vantage point” or “team-building events”. It requires a thorough re-evaluation of how to foster meaningful connections, support career development, and provide a work environment that aligns with Gen Z’s values and aspirations.

There’s a big misconception about Gen Z—they’re often portrayed as caring only about free time and easy cash. Let us set the record straight: Gen Z is all about working smart, not just grinding away aimlessly. Nearly half of Gen Z and millennials are surviving from paycheck-to-paycheck and are worried about covering monthly expenses. Despite this, Gen Z stands out for being more financially savvy compared to previous generations at the same age. Furthermore, Gen Z is the most entrepreneurial generation to date, with 62 percent reporting that they have started or plan to start their own business. This drive reflects their commitment to creating value and achieving financial independence through innovative and purpose-driven work. Side hustles and turning passions into businesses are part of everyday life for many Gen Zers.

Like any other generation in their youth, Gen Z is interested in many other things. Meaningfulness in their work environment, as well as in other aspects of their life, are crucial for Zoomers too. Meaningfulness is not always defined by saving the world or being a hero—it varies for everyone. For some, it is feeling valued and being heard by their superiors at work, while others derive meaning from helping colleagues. For many, it involves saving money for activities they enjoy during their free time. Ultimately, it is about finding purpose in the daily grind of life, whatever that may mean for each person.

Previous generations worked in relatively stable global conditions, but Gen Z, having grown up in a volatile environment, knows the importance of insisting that their employers truly support their well-being. They are bolder in their demands for justice and working conditions that resonate with their values. Gen Z expects companies to be on the cutting edge with DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) practices, offer comprehensive employee benefits, and cultivate a genuinely supportive work culture. If they find a company lagging in these areas, they will not hesitate to move on. Other things they “dare to demand” are very simple. Over 90% of Gen Z crave a human element in their work, like meaningful connections with colleagues, but they also cherish their personal space and enjoy working solo more than past generations. They thrive on recognition and appreciation for their efforts – they want to hear they matter too.

To conclude, this generation’s approach to work is all about balance, purpose, and alignment with their sense of justice and fairness in their professional lives. 

• Salary transparency is a must in job postings for many Gen Zers.
• They expect a company culture that values work-life balance, offers flexibility, continuous learning and development, and career growth opportunities, while also prioritizing mental health.
• Gen Z is ready to turn down job offers that do not align with their values.
• They want to feel valued and have their voices heard; leaders should be open to learning from younger generations, just as Gen Z looks up to their own mentors.
• Toxic work culture is a deal-breaker: Discrimination, inconsistency between the words and actions of management, and an inability to accommodate work-life balance are absolute no-gos.
• In a recent study, 31% of Gen Z respondents would reject a job offer if the company’s sustainability or ethical standards were lacking.

Even as we discuss how Gen Z is unique and should be led differently from how we are currently doing it, it is clear that these approaches provide universal benefits. Aspects such as salary transparency, equality, work-life balance, and development opportunities benefit all employees, whether they belong to baby boomers or Gen Alpha. Let’s embrace the opportunity to learn from this generation and their transformative perspective on the world!