Gen Z fights back | Younger workers are sick of burning out, and they're doing something about it

Gen Z, the cohort born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, loves to disrupt the workplace. From changing habits on how, where and why they work, to forcing organisations to adhere to ESG targets and D&I, this young group are change makers, and agile harbingers of progress.

And, in ushering in a fresh ad ethics-focussed perspective on the world of work, Gen Z is now placing a huge emphasis on work-life balance. Their refusal to embrace careers that lead to undue stress or burnout isn't just a choice; it's a rational response informed by the lessons of their predecessors and a vision of a more sustainable future.

In short, Gen Z workers in the UK are rapidly shifting their preferences towards less stressful jobs that still offer reasonable pay. This doesn’t sound overly controversial, but when you consider that 88% of UK employees have experienced at least some level of burnout over the last two years, according to research from Deloitte, this seemingly rules out the majority of jobs.

Positions like office administrators, account managers, and marketing associates have become their new darlings, driven by the allure of a harmonious blend between work and personal life. In a world that has often glamorised round-the-clock dedication, this shift is noteworthy.