Working Hard or Hardly…

Just recently, headlines were buzzing with a revealing study: Gen Z, the youngest generation in the workforce, is redefining how we think about work. They’re rejecting hustle culture, questioning the long hours once considered a badge of honour, and demanding workplaces that prioritize well-being and flexibility. This hit home for me when my sister called, upset that her son, about to graduate, had refused an internship he’d applied for—an opportunity she thought was golden. Was he being irresponsible, or was he part of a larger generational shift?

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Consider another example: Bolt, a San Francisco-based e-commerce platform, introduced a four-day workweek pilot program in 2021 after Gen Z employees voiced concerns about burnout and work-life balance. The results? The company found the initiative so successful in boosting productivity and employee happiness that they adopted it permanently. This demonstrates how younger workers are not just pushing boundaries but inspiring innovative workplace solutions.

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Every generation has its unique selling points and characteristics. They’ve all been hard-working, mostly easy to manage, and willing to play by the established rules. But Gen Z? They’re rewriting the script. This generation is all about setting boundaries and refusing to work themselves to the point of exhaustion. They’re ambitious—they want the possessions and the experiences—but they’re also clear about the price they’re willing (or not willing) to pay for them.

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This is also the generation that had some of its formative milestones stripped away when the world went online during the pandemic. They had to adapt quickly, and in doing so, they found faster, easier ways to accomplish tasks using technology. In fact, they’re far savvier when it comes to tech than previous generations. But where they shine digitally, they often fall short socially. The soft skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to handle feedback—skills that earlier generations honed in face-to-face settings—are areas where they need growth.

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And maybe we should ask ourselves a hard question: Have we truly learned from the toll overwork has taken on generations before? The tragic case of a young EY employee’s death due to overwork is a stark reminder of the consequences of pushing too far. We’ve seen the burnout, the illnesses, and the regrets from prioritizing work over health and well-being. So, is working those extra hours really worth it?

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Gen Z’s refusal to endure a toxic work culture isn’t entitlement—it’s a catalyst for change. By standing firm on the need for work-life balance, they’re forcing corporations to sit up, take notice, and rethink outdated practices. Their attitude might ruffle feathers, but it has the potential to reshape the workplace into one where well-being is prioritized alongside productivity.

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The world around us is evolving rapidly, and so are the dynamics of work and life. Instead of dismissing Gen Z as lazy or unmotivated, maybe it’s time to adapt, too. If we take a step back to understand their unique challenges and priorities, we might find a generation with a different, but equally valid, approach to life and work. It’s not about writing them off—it’s about meeting them where they are and embracing the much-needed changes they’re pushing for.