10 Reasons Why Gen Z Barely Works
In the wake of dynamic technological shifts and changing cultural paradigms, Gen Z is emerging as a bold and fierce group of workers who are redefining career standards and work availability. Previous generations valued hard work and stable income, whereas Gen Z is teaching us about work-life balance and the value of personal fulfillment and how it translates to careers. The mantra “less work and more life” is gaining undeniable traction amongst the young generation entering the workforce, and they’re working less than any other generation. Today we’re spilling the tea on why. We’re doing a deep dive into 10 reasons why Gen Z is working fewer hours than previous generations and what that might mean for the future. Ready? Let’s go.
1. Healthy Work-Life Balance
Gen Z has been recreating and redefining what a healthy work-life balance is. They are less willing to forgo their personal desires and fulfilments in order to maintain their workload. They often seek roles that offer flexible work hours or even remote work to help maintain their personal obligations and demands. Gen Z is driven by finding purpose in their work life and will often opt for a lower-paying position if it means the work satisfies their purpose and offers a positive, flexible working environment. Gen Z is a generation that isn’t allowing their work to dominate their life but rather balancing it with the things in life that matter most to them.
2. Freelancing and Gig Economy
Gen Z values flexibility and autonomy over their work schedules. This is why freelancing and the gig economy are so appealing. Freelancing and taking on gigs allows Gen Z to work when they want and on projects that are meaningful to them. This take on “work” can mean fewer hours worked but more passion put into the project. Gen Z also has a desire to diversify their income, and taking on various gigs and freelance projects can help do so.
3. Mental Health Awareness
Previous generations did not go into the workforce with an awareness of mental health and how it can be extremely detrimental to life. Gen Z really prioritizes their mental health and overall wellness. They do this by choosing jobs that offer paid mental health days, booking days off to attend routine doctor appointments, and considering their mental health before accepting additional job duties (especially when it doesn’t come with a pay increase). The result of this can mean fewer hours worked, but a generation that is teaching the rest of the world how to take care of their mental health.
4. Entrepreneurial Spirit
Gen Z is known for its entrepreneurial spirit. They can make income from nearly any avenue, and they’re big on using social media platforms to amplify their voice. Gen Z is creative and always looking for new and unconventional ideas. They’re quick to pivot their strategy, embrace new trends (we see you doing those TikTok dances), and embrace failure as a way to re-evaluate where they’re at and where they’re trying to go. Gen Z has an entrepreneurial spirit different than any other generation, and this gives them varied working hours and shifting career priorities.
5. Change in Work Preferences
Gone are the days when people valued long working hours and a steady income. Gen Z has evolved their work preferences, and they’re willing to act on that instead of valuing higher income and firm schedules. Gen Z prioritizes personal time and being available for their family obligations. They’re more likely to take a position that is part-time, flexible, or remote instead of the traditional 9-5 office job. They are constantly seeking job satisfaction and value that more than receiving a steady income. Gen Z is more focused on results-driven work instead of hours worked. They’re not looking for something at 25 hours per week but rather choosing meaningful projects that align with their values and goals.
6. Parental Support
A lot of Gen Z is supported by their parents right into young adulthood and even beyond. Many Gen Zs rely on this support and don’t need to work as much because of it.
7. Remote Work Preferences
Gen Z is a generation that prefers remote work as opposed to traditional working situations. Remote work allows them to better balance home and family duties while still performing well at work. This shift could mean fewer hours worked but work fitting seamlessly into personal lives.
8. Workplace Benefits
Gen Z values the workplace benefits offered by companies when they’re seeking employment. They look for things like mental health support, therapy, wellness programs, and companies that value professional development along with career growth. Gen Z will likely take a position with fewer working hours if it has benefits that align with their values and desires.
9. Value Meaningful Work
Gen Z values work that resonates deeply with them and satisfies their professional goals. They’ll likely turn down a position that pays more but doesn’t align with their values for a position that pays less but aligns perfectly. This could mean that they’re working fewer hours but are a group that is focused, passionate, and willing.
10. Focus on Experiences Over Employment
Things like travel opportunities, inclusive workspaces, and diversity training are all experiences that Gen Z values more than traditional employment. This is because Gen Z is more focused on experiences than employment and will work less to prioritize that.
In the End
It’s easy to see now how Gen Z works less than other generations. They value things differently than any other generation and are forging a path to redefining career satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Things like healthy work-life balance, freelancing, mental health awareness, entrepreneurial spirit, change in work preferences, parental support, and remote work preferences all contribute to fewer hours worked but increased career satisfaction. Gen Z is changing the way the world sees work and life, and they’ve found a way to enjoy both!
