It is often claimed that Generation Z is lazy. They do not want to work or make an effort. However, a Cambridge professor sees it differently and says that Gen Z has a different idea of work.
What is Generation Z? Depending on the definition, people born between 1997 and 2012 are classified as Generation Z. The Gen Z is often regarded as lazy and not wanting to work properly. Many successful people, like Jamie Dimon, a business manager, explained to the economic magazine Businessinsider that Millennials and Gen Z work less and live longer than other generations. An example would be job ghosting, which seems to be a popular trend among Gen Z.
Thomas Roulet, a professor of organizational sociology and leadership at the University of Cambridge, sees it differently and defends Gen Z. He believes that the generation is not lazy; they simply have a different idea of work that is shaped by modern times.
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3 Reasons Why Gen Z Is Not Lazy
In a YouTube video on the Cambridge University channel, Roulet talks about the topic and names three reasons why he considers the stereotype Gen Z is lazy
to be nonsense.
The 1st point: It has always been said that younger generations are lazy. He even cites Socrates as an example, who already complained about younger generations and their work ethic.
The 2nd point, why the topic is always present, is the changed expectation of work. He says that younger generations want to grow in their profession and seek meaning, while at the same time, work-life balance must be in place.
As the 3rd point, Roulet mentions the current economic situation. A job 20 or 30 years ago simply brought more security than jobs today. For example, he mentions that even with a good job, there is often no opportunity for real estate. This also changes expectations of work, as people desire meaning, work-life balance, and growth.
In conclusion, he summarizes that companies should stop being complacent and consciously strive to meet the wishes and expectations of the younger generation to create a meaningful path into the working world.
What can primarily be inferred from the points is that Gen Z wants to work, but with different conditions and desires than previous generations. Work is no longer the only focus in life, but rather a balance between all the important topics of life.
What do you think about the points mentioned? Do you agree with them or do you think it is nonsense as well? Let us know in the comments. The affinity for the internet even gives Gen Z advantages in job searching: Gen Z uses clever methods that can help in job searching – Boomers should do this much more often.
