Changes in the workplace being adopted by Gen X, Millennials (aged 26-40) and Gen Z (25 and under)

I was thinking about this lately as I have noticed via speaking with my candidates that the 40 and over professionals who are established in their career are seeking a better way of life (more balanced and are willing to work as a consultant). I think that those who have realized that they want a more balanced life and more freedom, have determined that corporate life is not for them. They are interested in changing their hours and career trajectory on their terms.

There has also been a massive shift in millennials and especially Gen Zs. I have noticed most opt rather quickly to try and do something on their own. I have read a statistic online that Gen Zs are more likely to start a business if they don’t find the job they are interested in. Gen Z is also the generation that is more willing to start a business than other generations (Millennials and Gen Xers). I think there are various factors involved in that switch.

For experienced professionals, Gen Xers, it could include fatigue and realization that there is a better way to work. More flexibility with hours and working when they want to work. They really want the independence and are not interested in putting in long hours. No more bosses, no more crazy hours with no additional compensation or recognition.

For Millennials and Gen Zs, I do feel they are ahead of the curve after realizing that they want to work on their terms and will not do the long hours without compensation. My main reason for working on my own, was that I would put in the effort and was not rewarded. Luckily, I realized this at a young age. Many of the Gen Zs and Millennials are realizing this. There is a better way of life. Kudos to them for realizing this at a young age.

As well, the Gen Zs have the desire to constantly be learning and if those opportunities are not offered to them, they will switch companies immediately. It is a different way of thinking. They change companies more often than Gen Xers. We were brought up to be patient, but in a world that is so competitive and moves very quickly and it is technologically driven, I think they might have it right. This will also force companies to offer more learning opportunities and promotion to their employees. This is the future workforce, and we need to adapt to that.

In the end it is important to realize the world has changed. People are learning to have higher expectations and want to be happy in the workplace (be it as an employee or consultant). I am seeing more and more people starting to re-evaluate life and their priorities and there is nothing wrong with that!