Gen Z Faces Workplace Criticism Amid Evolving Job Expectations
Generation Z has come under widespread criticism for being undisciplined, entitled, and potentially unemployable, echoing earlier criticisms faced by Millennials. This backlash is intensified by Gen Z's distrust of institutions following perceived betrayals and ongoing corporate downsizing.
Adam Grant notes that generational critique is a common pattern, observing that younger workers tend to be more self-centered at age 20 compared to age 40. A Wall Street Journal column even claimed that Gen Z could be unemployable.
Despite these views, individuals like Jahnavi Shah, 25, highlight the challenges and persistence involved in entering the workforce, as she secured her first full-time role after seven months and approximately 1,000 applications at a San Francisco tech startup. Nadya Okamoto counters stereotypes by emphasizing Gen Z’s employability in modern roles such as social media marketing.
Gen Z prioritizes flexibility, wellbeing, and a sense of purpose over traditional markers like overtime and promotions. They favor working smarter, utilizing AI tools to perform tasks more efficiently. Deloitte surveys indicate over half of Gen Z use AI at work, and 89% of Gen Z members, alongside 92% of Millennials, consider a sense of purpose important for job satisfaction.
To accommodate these shifts, companies are encouraged to integrate personal and professional development while embracing cross-generational learning. Gen Z is expected to transform workplace culture and practices moving forward.
