Is Gen Z the "Laziest" Generation to Work With? | DOCO Documentaries

[@jedics1]

Employers want "big picture thinking" from a generation that will never own a home making all the things that come with it like kids, marriage and security in general a dream....If a 40 hr job isnt going to provide the basics of a modern life then giving the minimum is all a job deserves.

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

Honestly this is what employers should expect after years of cutting away pay and conditions (via inflation and poor raises) and constantly increased expectations.

[@hellejuice91]

Some things I do and not agree with from listening to this employer. FWIW I am probably just about a younger millennial, who is in a managerial position and has hiring and firing responsibility. Do Agrees: - Now offices are more casual, people are dressing as they would if they had to the job to the interview and not dressing smart. I don't think people should wear suits to interviews anymore but a shirt and trousers, or shirt with smart jeans and shoes are a minimum (in my opinion) for an interview. It wouldn't stop me hiring someone if they turned up in a casual outfit, but it could be the decider between two otherwise equally good candidates. - It is your responsibility to be on time for an interview and you should factor in traffic/parking/train being a little late etc and if you are running late you should contact the interviewer asap and not just turn up late. Dependant and how they handled the lateness this could stop me hiring someone. Don't Agrees: - Staff should not ever feel pressured to turn up early/stay late, the salary is agreed based on the contracted hours, not on unpaid overtime. if more hours than the contracted amount are required, the contracted hours should be upped and this should be reflected in the wage. - As long as the work is done and everyone is doing their fair share, staff should feel free to run small errands during the working day. In my experience people who take care of these little jobs during the day tend to stay later to make the time back/will be more flexible with you when you need flexibility and do their best work. - If the job can be done from home and the employee is capable of doing the job, there is no reason why work from home isn't an option atleast some of the time. I agree that being in the office is beneficial for building relationships, job confidence and trust but that doesn't need to happen five days a week. No-one should need a 'special reason' to work from home. If productivity drops, this should be addressed.

[@Chad83714]

How can the first guy be so condescending in his look on other people while he's taking most of their work value? Work from home is a "privilege"? What else is a privilege? Lunch break and a chair to sit on? If anything, Gen Z is not lazy, they are right and they are making the stand that we did not make against greed and corporate mindset. I think humanity is better because of their defiance and I do hope the next generation will keep doing the same until all the people who, like the first guy, believe they can grant and retract "privileges" from other people no longer find people who are ok to slave for them. A gentle reminder that Oliver Twist's "Please sir, can I have some more" was also described as a defiant attitude by the working class in its day.

[@mattysea7163]

As a senior manger over 40 I crave WFH & Flexi. Fcuk 9-5 5 days a week in the office.

[@mikahundin]

Marx would likely view Gen Z as a generation grappling with the contradictions of late capitalism, embodying both the promise of a more equitable future and the limitations of individualistic resistance. While he might admire their defiance of exploitative practices and embrace of innovation, he would emphasize the need for collective action and systemic change to truly overcome capitalism’s injustices. For Marx, Gen Z’s aspirations for flexibility, creativity, and fairness are stepping stones-but not the final solution-to achieving a classless, equitable society.

[@rra7490]

Nothing new under the sun. I heard the same things about us millennials in my 20’s. I had a hard time getting a job, kept hearing millennials are lazy and dont want to work. I went to so many interviews, even last year, went to 6 interviews and applied 20 different places to finally get a job after 6 months. A whole lot of effort for little pay. I also agree that work from home should be the norm.

[@CraigMilesYoutube]

Ditto GenX. Seeing a trend here 😊

[@ets2atstruckermartin527]

The long stickies overpaid laziest are the problem

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Yup, these were thr exact same criticisms that started with millennials. None of it makes sense. People aren't lazy for working smarter. It actually increases productivity!

[@hoggy077]

As a Gen Z with an IT Bachelors, I find the "Lazy" argument is one that people blinded by the state of the economy & job market make. 1. We live in an era where costs of basic necessities are constantly rising, and work-from-home can have a major impact on financial strain in the long run. 2. AI has companies actively avoiding hiring in a bid to see if positions can be replaced with it. 3. The job market is riddled with ghost listings from companies no longer hiring, or required to make a listing with no intention of hiring. People in management are right, Gen Z is more lax with the social environment of the work place, but the "Big Picture" they speak of isn't the same as when they entered the market (hence my prior "blind" statement) and many of them refuse to realize this fact. Employees aren't required to be loyal to your company because you write their paycheck, loyalty is earnt by treating your employees with respect and human decency and sticking with them when things are tough, a trait most companies seemingly forgot in the last decade.

[@seiwarriors]

Yes, what Gen Z want currently is stability, like everyone else wants. This is through getting similar benefits like the boomers did, or at least have stable jobs. This is where we know that we won't get fired in the next quarter after getting hired in this one.

[@hockysa]

I'm a millenial. I expect WFH now. I ain't going back to no office.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

💯it improves productivity!

[@infinitechibi1496]

We're not hard to work with, employers are just harder to work for. Difference.

[@mghocke]

Sorry, but a modern manager has to be able to offer a flexible work environment. If my employee needs to run out to do laundry, so what? Does the work get done? Yes? Good. Also, WFH should not be a privilege anymore. Being able to work from home to take care of your kid should not have to be "earned." Again, as long as the work gets done who cares where the work is being done?

[@ecclairmayo4153]

I've never understood it. All of these perks actually make employees more productive!!

[@Jakekingg88]

At the firm I work for one of the Gen Z employees suggested we replace performance reviews with 'vibe checks' 🤦‍♂

[@scotty2tone]

Yeah I’m sure they were being super serious, couldn’t be that you’re an out of touch boomer

[@forhumanity_ir]

very good subject

[@henrylarson]

Lmao, wait until they hear about Gen Alpha 💀

[@glassycreek1991]

...oh thats going to be fun 😅

[@prashants5071]

I dont see how going to laundrette at 3pm friday afternoon is a problem. If they are being so strict about work hours, then the employer is also not allowed to ask the individuals to work after work hours.

[@Airisu_01]

Right? I think the real question is, is the work getting done? If not, that's an issue, but if the problem is just not physically being at a desk for a set amount of hours...

[@ecclairmayo4153]

It's absolutely ridiculous. Notice he wanted a special time and work from home privilege on Tuesdays so hebcan be able to pick up his kid, but someone picking up their laundry so they can look good for the job is a problem. This is why people quit managers!!

[@ets2atstruckermartin527]

the most underpaid and with highest expectations aka slavery from longer beeings Overpaid and lazy "workers"

[@AwesomeApril666]

Ok so if everyone starts their own business and no one pursing the 9-5 corporation; good luck getting the tools you need to make it possible without certain Corporations that can aid your business. Not all corporations are giant money hungry monsters. This is coming from a small business owner… js, and back when I DID work a 9-5, I had more money and days off. Some things work for some and not for others

[@miaworm2able]

I came to say the same thing. Everyone can't be the boss. And some just flat out shouldn't be a boss.

[@bluecat397]

Yes! Next

[@prashants5071]

whoa..this guy is the definition of blaming others. Late by 15mins because they couldnt find parking is also understandable. THese are the guys interviewing, they need to know that parking will be a requirement for the candidates coming to interview. It is their job to make sure that the candidates have a reasonably smooth experience. Expecting people to be 30mins early is just entitled behavior. I am sorry for the people working in his team

[@Chad83714]

well said

[@seiwarriors]

I don't know. I think it is reasonable when coming at least 15 minutes early for an interview.

[@Chad83714]

@@seiwarriors I'm sorry but I disagree. You, as the potential employee, are giving commute time + interview time while your interviewer is only giving interview time. Furthermore, they are getting paid for their time while yours is automatically volunteered. The least they can do is wait a bit if you have a reason for the delay. On a different rant, I also don't get why job interviews are not paid. Anything after the first interview should be compensated and if you're asked for a project or a test, they should give you a day's wage for it. Why is your time worthless but theirs isn't?

[@lukazlukaz9400]

I used to work in his exact team. He was fantastic! Modernised, considerate, and very hard working. Take into consideration here that the statements are very general, in real life he would give a good attitude of the right amount of push to develop people

[@prashants5071]

@@lukazlukaz9400 What does "modernised" even mean in the context of a human being? And how is it even a good thing. But, apart from that, point taken.

[@mikahundin]

In Defense of Gen Z: A Response to Workplace Criticisms Generation Z (born 1997-2012) has been at the center of heated debates about their approach to work and workplace culture. Often labeled as "lazy" or "difficult to work with," this generation has faced scrutiny from employers and the media. However, a closer examination reveals that Gen Z's work ethic and values reflect a profound shift in priorities rather than a lack of professionalism. Here’s a structured defense of Gen Z, addressing common criticisms and highlighting the broader societal context. 1. Misinterpreting Laziness for Value-Based Priorities Critics often point to Gen Z’s perceived unwillingness to "hustle" or climb the corporate ladder. This is not a matter of laziness but a deliberate choice to prioritize personal fulfillment, work-life balance, and mental health over traditional notions of success. Rejecting the Rat Race: As one Gen Z commenter put it, "Laziness is a symptom of just not feeling inspired." Many Gen Z workers reject the corporate rat race that prioritizes profit over employee well-being, focusing instead on careers that align with their values. Focus on Innovation: Gen Z values efficiency and often uses technology to streamline processes. Critics might see this as "cutting corners," but it reflects a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving. 2. Workplace Flexibility as a Norm, Not a Privilege The pandemic underscored the feasibility of remote work for many industries, and Gen Z has embraced this flexibility as a necessary evolution of work culture. Work-From-Home (WFH) Advocacy: Many Gen Z workers argue that WFH should be normalized as long as productivity remains intact. As one commenter noted, "If the work gets done, who cares where it's done?" Balancing Personal and Professional Lives: Flexibility allows employees to handle personal errands or care responsibilities without compromising their productivity, fostering mutual trust between employers and employees. 3. Economic Pressures Shape Gen Z's Work Ethic Gen Z faces unique economic challenges that older generations often overlook, including rising living costs, stagnant wages, and job market instability. Erosion of Loyalty: In a world where basic necessities like housing are increasingly unaffordable, many Gen Z workers question the value of blind loyalty to corporations that fail to provide financial security. Adapting to Modern Realities: Ghost job listings, AI-driven hiring freezes, and corporate greed have created a challenging landscape. One commenter noted, "Employees aren't required to be loyal to your company just because you write their paycheck. Loyalty is earned by treating employees with respect and human decency." 4. Redefining Professionalism Gen Z challenges outdated norms around professionalism, from dress codes to interview etiquette, which often feel irrelevant or superficial in today’s work environments. Modern Interview Expectations: Critics cite examples of Gen Z candidates dressing casually or arriving late for interviews. However, younger workers argue that outdated expectations, such as arriving excessively early or wearing formal attire, fail to reflect today’s workplace realities. Focus on Results Over Appearances: Gen Z emphasizes performance over optics. As one commenter stated, "It’s your responsibility to be on time and prepared, but what you wear shouldn’t overshadow your qualifications." 5. Challenging Exploitation and Advocating for Fairness Gen Z's resistance to traditional work norms often stems from an awareness of systemic inequities in the workplace. Pushback Against Overwork: Critics claim that Gen Z lacks a strong work ethic, yet younger workers are simply refusing to accept unpaid overtime or excessive demands. One commenter wrote, "The salary is agreed upon for contracted hours-not unpaid overtime." Standing Against Greed: Gen Z workers are vocal about the exploitation inherent in some corporate cultures, comparing restrictive policies on remote work or flexibility to outdated hierarchies. A popular comment described this mindset as reminiscent of "Oliver Twist’s ‘Please, sir, can I have some more?’" 6. Social Media: Inspiration and Misconceptions Social media has significantly influenced Gen Z's career aspirations, offering both opportunities and unrealistic expectations. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Social media enables many Gen Z individuals to pursue creative or entrepreneurial paths, bypassing traditional corporate structures. This reflects a drive to "control their own destiny" rather than being confined to uninspiring roles. Managing Expectations: Critics argue that social media creates a "pie-in-the-sky" mentality. However, Gen Z is increasingly aware that success requires hard work and adaptability, as evidenced by their innovative use of digital platforms. 7. Addressing Employer Critiques While some employers report challenges in managing Gen Z employees, these issues often stem from generational differences rather than incompetence or entitlement. Criticism of Leadership: Many Gen Z workers attribute workplace dissatisfaction to poor management, outdated policies, and unrealistic expectations. As one commenter said, "If employers want loyalty and productivity, they need to treat employees with respect and fairness." A Call for Mutual Adaptation: Employers who adapt to Gen Z’s priorities-such as flexibility, transparency, and inclusivity-are more likely to foster loyal, motivated teams. 8. Looking to the Future As the workplace evolves, Gen Z's values are likely to influence broader cultural shifts, emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and well-being. The Rise of New Industries: Gen Z envisions a future where art, creativity, and authentic self-expression are key drivers of economic growth. One commenter predicted, "The time of greed and forcing people to trade their time for corporate profit is numbered." Bridging Generational Divides: To build a sustainable future, workplaces must balance the stability valued by older generations with the freedom sought by younger ones. Conclusion Gen Z is not lazy or difficult to work with-they are simply challenging outdated norms and advocating for a better work-life balance, fairness, and innovation. Their approach reflects a broader cultural shift that values mental health, creativity, and adaptability over rigid corporate structures. Employers who embrace this change will not only bridge generational divides but also position themselves for long-term success in an evolving world.

[@tomstruble7380]

Gen Z - good at tech - Bwahahahahahahahahahaha, none that I ever came across.

[@Thechosen1000]

The Gen Z you have encountered in your personal vicinity who aren't good with tech doesn't represent an entire generation of people. No demographic is a molothlith dumbass 🤡

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Yeah that got me too. I don't know where they go that from

[@seiwarriors]

This is the same shit that happen to millennials, and they will do the same thing as boomers did and so on.

[@hockysa]

i mean for the Gen Z that do make their own businesses well done. Kudos to them. If they manage to grow large enough to need to hire people they're going to have the same problems trying to hire their own generation. And let's see what they implement to constantly keep their employees inspired.

[@davidedgar7338]

what gives anyone the audacity to tell me they not coming in and want to do a half assed job at home for the same money. stay at home if you want. heres a certificate for you. *hands over p45*