Labor Day is a celebration of hard work, but for some, it’s a moment to rethink what work should even look like.
The days of staying in one job for decades are long gone!
From remote demands to frequent job changes, young workers are making bosses take notice.
Gen Z averages just over two years per job. Millennials in their 30s stay closer to three. And Gen X, that’s the 40- and 50-somethings, tend to stick around for five years or more.
But Gen Z isn’t moving on out of disloyalty, but strategy. In fact, Indeed reports that job-hoppers can earn 5% to 15% more per move.
But bosses see things differently. A Paychex survey found nearly three in four employers think Gen Z lacks a strong work ethic.
Young employees say they’re tired of being judged.
One comment in a Fortune article said: “People talk about us but not to us.”
But the disconnect runs deep:
- Bosses value office culture, Gen Z values mental health and flexibility
- Managers want long-term loyalty; Gen Z wants growth and purpose
- Employers see frequent job changes as a problem; young workers see them as a plan
But experts say young workers risk missing out if they don’t meet some traditional standards.
A CareerBuilder survey found 62% of managers are less likely to promote employees who arrive late, gossip, or dress unprofessionally.
Twenty-seven percent of remote workers say they feel overlooked for advancement. And 36% of employers cite poor communication as a top reason young hires miss promotions.
So, what’s the solution?
Experts say it starts on Day 1, and onboarding should focus on mentorship, purpose, and flexibility, not just policies and paperwork.
Experts say the key to bridging this gap isn’t criticism; it’s conversation.
And if companies are willing to listen, learn, and adapt, Gen Z might just stick around and even become the bosses themselves one day.