The underlying causes of Gen Zers’ work dysfunction

Life’s struggles can impart valuable lessons and shape your character, unlike a path of no resistance that offers no resilience. When faced with unexpected challenges, individuals lacking resilience are more likely to falter.

The future of corporate America relies heavily on the shoulders of Generation Z, who grapple with the realistic expectations of the workplace.

What causes this generation to experience more fractures than their predecessors?

A March 2024 Freedom Economy Index survey, conducted in partnership with Public Square and Red Balloon, gave Generation Z an “F” grade in categories like “reliability,” “toxic workplace culture,” “mental health,” “workplace lawsuits,” and “fitting into workplace culture.”

In the survey of small business owners, 68% rated Gen Z as the “least reliable” employees, and 62% identified them as the most likely to cause division and toxicity in the workplace.

According to the opinions of 80,000 business owners, a significant issue with Gen Z in the workplace is their perceived sense of entitlement.

One surveyed business owner expressed, “Unjustified expectations and entitlements, such as wanting large pay increases, promotions, perks, and benefits without corresponding performance improvements.”

Employers are calling for Gen Z to step up, especially with an increasing number of baby boomers retiring. However, Gen Z is failing in terms of reliability, teamwork, and workplace mental health, making employers prefer being understaffed rather than dealing with these issues.

As adults, individuals are responsible for altering their life trajectories, though those who faced challenges during their upbringing have a tougher path to success due to a lack of navigation skills.

Entitlement isn’t an inherent trait – if Gen Z is perceived as entitled, the focus should be on the parents who raised them with these beliefs.

We often blame participation trophies for fostering entitlement, forgetting that adults are the ones who introduced this practice to children.

By shielding their children from life’s hardships, parents inadvertently handicap them by undervaluing resilience while overemphasizing protection.

The attempt to make life easier for children may actually hinder their growth as adults, showcasing how parents’ actions can directly impact their children’s abilities to navigate the real world.

Parents who display entitlement, shirk accountability, and avoid self-reflection in raising their children are likely to pass on these same traits to the next generation.

Despite these challenges, it’s important not to give up on Generation Z. Each generation faces its own obstacles, and the role of a parent involves guiding children towards becoming better individuals.

Even as an adult, guidance and support are essential, demonstrating the need for parents to mentor their children rather than trying to be their friend.

Adam B. Coleman, author of “Black Victim to Black Victor” and founder of Wrong Speak Publishing, emphasizes the importance of parenting and mentorship in raising the next generation.