The older ones say that the young are lazy. They were more interested in work-life balance than in work. Not all prejudices are true, say youth researchers. However, there are differences between Gen Z and baby boomers.
 Young people’s ability to be selective in their jobs can lead to frustration in older people, according to a psychologist
 Young people are used to receiving immediate feedback
 The younger generation perceives climate change to be more threatening than the older generation
Work-shy, dependent, not efficient. This refers to Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, i.e. those born in the late 1990s and who are now starting their working lives. Konstantin Beindorf also knows these clichés.
The 25-year-old looks after young talent at DHL, so he has to deal with Generation Z every day, of which he also counts himself. “For young people, it’s better to be without a job than to be unhappy in a job. And I think happiness and personal fulfillment are much more important than actually doing work. You want to be good at the job you do, but you also want one “Good job. I have the feeling that, especially with older people, that’s not the focus. The main thing is that you have a job and do it well.”
Choice for young people and frustration for older people
This can easily lead to frustration among older people, says psychologist and generational researcher Rüdiger Maas: “Imagine if they had to make a real effort to get an interview, got in with a lower salary and now there’s a younger person who has everything done for them and who doesn’t appreciate it at all. Of course, social envy arises among the workforce.”
AUDIOGeneration Z in the hammock: cliché or reality?
The fact that Generation Z even has the opportunity to be picky is due to demographics. They are among the lowest birth rates. And they are replacing the large number of baby boomers who are now retiring. Few young talents encounter many vacancies. This makes it challenging, and not just for the younger generation, says Maas: “At the moment the job market is very interesting for everyone. This is not an issue that only affects younger people, but it is of course exciting that this is the only way for younger people to get to know the job market.”
Yeah,
It’s fascinating to observe the clash of values, particularly regarding work-life balance and job satisfaction. The insight from psychologist Rüdiger Maas underscores the frustration that can arise among older generations witnessing the seemingly different priorities of the younger workforce. The contrast in attitudes towards job selection, immediate feedback, and perceptions of climate change highlights the diverse outlooks within the workplace. A compelling read that prompts reflection on the evolving nature of work and the challenges faced by both seasoned professionals and those just entering the workforce.
Fact