Do you feel like you’re thriving at work? For a lot of young people, the answer is a resounding no. Only 31% of global workers under 35 described themselves as “thriving” in 2023, according to a report from Gallup. This catches my attention. Some of my coworkers at All Pro Dad and iMOM are young people. Many of them are part of Gen Z, people born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. You may not be in that demographic, but I bet you work with a few, like I do. So maybe you have noticed: At work, Gen Z struggles sometimes.
Gen Z gets a bad rap. The generation is often stereotyped as detached, entitled, unsure, and apathetic. I see it this way: Gen Z tends to be tech-savvy, ambitious, career-focused, and socially conscious. Those are all positives! With all those skills available, why, then, do many in Gen Z still feel unfulfilled at work? Once we understand why, we can start to change it. Here are 5 subtle reasons Gen Z workers are struggling.
1. COVID Lockdown
COVID feels like the distant past for some, but the pandemic fallout still lingers. The pandemic hit during a formational time of life for Gen Z and, according to studies, challenged the two things they desired most: health and financial security. That period brought uncertainty unlike anything younger generations had faced before. Bouncing back from an era like that takes time. Older workers tended to be more resilient and transitioned back to “normal” faster, whereas Gen Z experienced higher rates of depression during those lockdowns. Give grace when Gen Z struggles at work. Some Gen Z workers are still feeling shaky and uncertain. Caution is not a character flaw. Have open conversations about how they are feeling in this current climate. Reassure them that they’re valued and appreciated.
2. Less In-Person Connection
While Gen Z struggles, they crave interactions in real life. Sadly, they’re just not getting it. Gen Z spends over 10.6 hours each day engaging with others online. Three hours of that is social media, which troubles mental health professionals, who caution young people against being constantly available online. The dopamine hit that comes from ingesting videos and social media is hard to duplicate. It would make sense that a generation constantly online would feel less stimulation in the workplace. Look for opportunities to get your staff together without the pressure of deadlines or assignments.
3. Lofty Expectations
Salary expectations have skyrocketed for Gen Z in recent years. Business Insider says Gen Z employees “need an average salary of almost $125,000 to feel like they’ve made it.” Attribute it to high student loan debt or cost of living, but either way it’s high for many businesses. If that desire isn’t met, along with wanting to work remotely and have flexible hours, and it’s a recipe for dissatisfaction. Gently remind your younger coworkers that most people have to “pay their dues” at work. Experience is the best line item on any resume. Temper their expectations with realistic advice, but don’t encourage them to settle, either.
4. Loneliness
It’s easier for someone who is unfulfilled personally to become unfulfilled professionally, and a staggering 73% of people under 27 years old report feeling “alone and disconnected.” Loneliness steals joy, and many sociologists say Gen Z is the loneliest generation. Loneliness causes some people to seek out friendship more fiercely while it leaves others becoming even more depressed and insular. To help, be genuinely curious about people’s lives away from work. Ask what they do for fun. Encourage them to get out and experience the world. They are the same person at home and in the office, but those feelings of loneliness can linger.
5. Overlooked
As the All Pro Dad podcast has pointed out, teenagers in particular just want to be noticed. That feeling doesn’t fade as people age, and Gen Z desires to be noticed for their contributions. As of 2023, Gen Z makes up approximately 27% of the global workforce, and they are making large contributions to it. Promote well-being with those young workers by being a solid leader. Try weekly check-ins, offer them genuine feedback, and give frequent words of encouragement. It’s not coddling. It’s rallying. You can motivate your office by taking notice of what Gen Z is doing and praising them for it.
How do you relate to the Gen Z workers you know? Share in a comment.
