Business
Gen Z Workers Struggle with Team Dynamics and Leadership Roles
A recent survey suggests that many Gen Z workers find themselves at odds with their peers in the workplace. Nearly one in three Gen Z employees reported feeling like the ‘most annoying’ age group to work with, as per a study of 2,000 participants.
The findings show that 31% of Gen Z workers expressed discomfort with their generation’s workplace dynamics, highlighting tensions with both younger and older colleagues. In contrast, only 20% reported other teams as frustrating.
Employers have taken notice. An Intelligent.com survey found that 16% of businesses hesitate to hire recent grads, citing concerns about their preparedness and professionalism. Furthermore, 60% of employers admitted to firing college graduates within a year of hiring.
While Gen Z workers have their criticisms, they also expressed dissatisfaction with their own generation. Fifty-three percent of respondents said they disliked being ‘chronically online,’ and 49% were critical of their peers’ tendency to overshare on social media.
HR consultant Bryan Driscoll noted that the mixed feelings stem from a unique work environment shaped by burnout and pressure to perform. ‘Gen Z craves mentorship and stability, factors they associate more with millennials,’ he told Newsweek.
Driscoll added that the generational divide could hinder collaboration and innovation within companies. ‘If younger workers don’t trust each other, companies must focus on psychological safety,’ he stated.
Interestingly, 52% of Gen Z professionals do not aspire to be managers. This reluctance stems from seeing managerial roles as ‘high stress and low reward.’ Instead, they prefer to cultivate their expertise as individual contributors.
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, emphasized the necessity for companies to adapt to this evolving mindset. As Gen Z faces an uncertain job market, entrepreneurship is emerging as a significant alternative career path.
For Gen Z, the traditional corporate ladder is losing its appeal. Their focus on mental health and work-life balance is reshaping what success looks like. As they continue to challenge conventional workplace norms, employers need to reconsider their approach to leadership and collaboration.
In a world increasingly influenced by digital communication, the new generation seeks flexibility and autonomy over traditional titles and hierarchies. This shift may redefine the future of work.
