7 Workplace Expectations Gen Z Sees As Basic Rights That Boomers Call Unprofessional
Mikhail Nilov | PexelsThere's a major disconnect between Gen Z and their co-workers, sparking all kinds of resentment and tension. While Gen Z sees certain work expectations as basic rights, baby boomers don't feel the same.
With misunderstandings and conflicting ideas of what it means to be a good worker, it's no surprise that these vastly different generations can't seem to agree. For older people, especially, the actions of Gen Zers seem unprofessional.
Basic Gen Z workplace expectations that boomers call unprofessional
1. Not answering calls outside of working hours
Andrii Iemelianenko | Shutterstock
Gen Zers are very protective of their personal time. They work to live, whereas older generations traditionally place their career as the core of their life, and live to work. Yes, boomers seriously value their families and time at home, but they rarely create strict boundaries like Gen Zers expect.
Whether it's leaving work right at the end of the day or being unwilling to answer emails on the weekends, these basic boundaries for Gen Z tend to come off the wrong way to boomer bosses and colleagues who have done it all their whole careers. In many ways, overworking was a badge of honor and a key to success, but times are changing.
2. Skipping happy hours and mixers
Gen Z isn't interested in going to happy hour after work with their colleagues. They don't even show much interest in company-sponsored trips and weekend benefits.
They simply show up to work and do what they're supposed to do. But spending more time with their co-workers for the sake of networking or proving loyalty isn't enjoyable for them.
They want flexibility at work to pour back into their personal lives and relationships. Even when it comes off as lazy to their boomer colleagues, they prefer to keep the boundary between work and life strict.
3. Job-hopping for personal interests
Boomers tend to value and craft professional worth around loyalty. Climbing the corporate ladder is important to them, working for decades with the same company for a promotion. However, young people couldn't be any more different.
They value meaning in their work and work ethic to some extent, but they're also not afraid to go down a different path and leave. Only around 25% of Gen Z is interested in rapid progression with the same company, while the others appreciate different experiences and leaving one job to find something better.
It might be taken as giving up from the perspective of an older person, but for Gen Z, it's an opportunity for growth.
4. Speaking on mental health and personal beliefs
MilanMarkovic78 | Shutterstock
Gen Z values meaning and purpose, and seeks out work with companies that align with their values. That means they're a lot more open to talking about their beliefs in the workplace, bringing a kind of humanity that many older generations find unprofessional.
They're also much more open about discussing mental health, leading to changes around accommodations and expectations of sick time that older generations find unreasonable. It's an inevitable part of their work-life balance, because it feeds into their well-being, despite being something that's been historically ignored.
5. Challenging traditions
Gen Z is a challenger generation, as many young people are. They're pushing back against societal norms and traditions, as well as outdated expectations in the workplace. From dress codes to time off policies, they believe that crafting a workplace they actually want to work in is a basic right.
This attitude is misunderstood by a lot of people, especially boomer leaders and workers who have dedicated their lives to following certain rules and norms. They take it as a personal attack, especially when it feels like young workers are trying to sidestep the challenges they were forced into facing.
6. Sticking to flexible work structures
Most Gen Zers actually don't want to be fully remote. In fact, remote work is least popular amongst younger generations of workers.
However, they do want and expect flexibility, whether that's being able to take sick time or leaving work a little early to show up in their personal lives. To them, this is a basic right, whereas older generations see it as something you work toward and earn.
Leaving early or calling off work are somewhat unprofessional to boomers. Work ethic means showing up, even when it's inconvenient and difficult. So, obviously there's a big disconnection.
7. Taking time off when they need it
PeopleImages | Shutterstock
Gen Zers often care less about compensation and salaries than they do flexibility and benefits. They want their personal time and identity to be accounted for, even in professional spaces.
Whether it's taking a last-minute Friday off or using sick time for a mental health day, they want to feel comfortable taking time away from work, without being shunned or punished. Yes, accountability and work ethic are important, but Gen Zers are not willing to take on burnout as a badge of honor.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
