5 Lessons To Learn From Gen Z In The Workplace
By 2025, 27% of the workforce will consist of Gen Zers, according to the World Economic Forum. Gen Z – people born in the late 90s to early 2010s – are entering the job market facing different conditions than millennials. And there are already interesting lessons to glean from their attitudes about the workplace.
Millennials had to job-hunt during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Some of them are still struggling to own a home. Many of them have ditched hustle culture in favor of work-life balance and purposeful work. Gen Zers are also facing economic uncertainty – hello, inflation and looming recession – but their professional growth is occurring at a time when remote and hybrid work models have become the norm and DEI is top of mind. Recruiting Gen Z candidates isn’t as same as the earlier generation as they care more about flexibility and living a meaningful life, but in different ways than their millennial counterparts.
Perhaps it’s because they are more cynical about the world ahead. Maybe it’s because they led the quiet quitting revolution on TikTok and refuse to build their identities on what they do for a living. It’s also notable that Gen Z came of age during crises like Black Lives Matter and the pandemic. Being socially conscious is almost imperative for their generation – and it’s a key driving force behind their career decisions.
For example, 99% of Gen Zers in a Tallo survey reported that workplace DEI is important and 87% of them said it’s very important. 80% of Gen Zers would be more likely to apply to a place of work that had resources for employees who identify as neurodivergent, according to the same survey.
In many ways, Gen Zers are onto something when it comes to the future of work – here are five lessons to learn from them.
1. Mental health matters
Ruth Reitmeier, director of coaching at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, says that a common misconception about Gen Zers is that they have a weak work ethic. That’s not the case. They are just not afraid to prioritize their mental health over their jobs. “Most of them are working very hard but facing burnout and mental health issues. They have been grinding since they were 12 years old and are not optimistic about ‘getting ahead’ in this economy,” she says.
Only 45% of Gen Z in a 2018 study by the American Psychological Association (APA) reported that their mental health was ‘very good’ or ‘excellent.’ Gen Zers have learned first-hand that mental health matters in the workplace. “They are very motivated but by different needs and values,” adds Reitmeier. “They will guard their boundaries, use PTO, log off at 5 p.m. and not be available.”
2. Speak up
Gen Zers also won’t hesitate to speak up or walk away if something doesn’t align with their values or if they don’t feel respected in the workplace. “Gen Z workers are often seen as lazy, flippant, and demanding. These misconceptions stem from the fact that Gen Zers are outspoken and passionate about what they believe is right,” according to Caitlin Weiser, an HR consultant at Red Clover. “In the workplace, Gen Z employees are more likely to speak up for themselves while millennials are known for being people pleasers. Gen Zers have no problem leaving a job without a backup plan if they don’t feel respected or valued.”
3. Challenge the status quo
Additionally, Reitmeier says that Gen Zers tend to be highly efficient and create processes that save time: “They will challenge the status quo if they see a better way. Don’t worship sacred cows and tradition: adapt, innovate, explore.” Gen Z is the first generation that is fully digital-native, after all.
4. People over profits
Gen Z also has a “people over profits” mindset: “To win the hearts of Generation Z, companies and employers will need to highlight their efforts to be good global citizens. And actions speak louder than words: Companies must demonstrate their commitment to a broader set of societal challenges such as sustainability, climate change, and hunger,” according to Deloitte.
5. Untie your job from your identity
Finally, Gen Z is leading the way when it comes to the idea of untying your job from your identity. “Gen Z employees don’t see their job as part of their identity while many other generations place their personal worth on their careers. With massive layoffs happening globally, people are being let go from companies they’ve put years of their lives into,” says Weiser. “ I think the biggest thing we could all learn from Gen Z is that, while it is okay to be passionate about your work, your work should not become your entire life.”
