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Gen Z has gotten a bad reputation in the workplace. They’re often portrayed in the media as lazy, demanding, and self-entitled. Unfortunately for young employees, this has been backed by a recent report from the International Labour Organisation, which reported that one-in-five people between the ages of 15 to 24 were classified as NEETs (not in employment, education, or training) in 2023.
Unlike what many of their parents and grandparents would have done, or had the opportunity to do, at their age, Gen Z is taking a break from working life. But why is this phenomenon taking place? And ss there more to it than ‘laziness’ as an explanation?
Why is Gen Z not working?
In many ways, the ‘hustle culture’ and ‘girl boss’ tropes that were started with millennials aren’t as appealing as they used to be. Now, when a young person goes on social media, they are met with unlimited amounts of content of people their age with seemingly more money, beauty and motivation than them.
Previously, waking up at 5am for a run, starting a side hustle, and ‘grinding’ to your limit might have been a convincing way to achieve your goals. But now, likely as a result of the pandemic, young workers are starting to realise what really matters – their health.
