The Truth About How Gen Z Works

I’ve been in the marketing world for just under two years, and I’m constantly struck by how much my generation gets talked about. Because our workstyle challenges traditional beliefs, many employers and colleagues hold misperceptions that undermine the difference we can make.

Let me address three generalizations that are holding us all back.

We’re not lazy; we’re working with purpose.

The pertinent conversation isn’t if we work hard—but how and why we do.

The pandemic derailed our natural integration into the workforce. The workplace we expected was upended by hybrid schedules, remote work, and a renewed focus on mental health, personally and professionally. 

We adapted quickly—but somehow still earned the label “lazy.” Our use of technology is seen as “shortcutting.” Our focus on work-life balance is mistaken for a “lack of drive.” And our preference for hybrid work is framed as “not committed.” 

Those perceptions overlook the values driving our workstyle preferences: efficiency, autonomy, and intention. Many of us are eager to work and make a difference. We’re committed to quality in our work. We respect the legacy of being “first in, last out” and dressing the part, but our approach doesn’t always look the same.

We want to do meaningful work—and do it well. We use tech to boost performance. We recharge personally so we can show up sharp to our professional roles. We leverage work from home spaces so we can cut out the wasted time associated with going into the office. We’re not skipping the hard work; we’re just approaching it differently. 

We’re not distracted; we’re just tuned to a different frequency. 

As you’d expect from being on our phones “all the time,” we can look like we’re checked out—and sure, when we’re scrolling for fun, maybe we are. When it comes to learning, working, or responding, though, we’re far from disengaged. 

Gen Z consumes content quickly. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and all short-form media content has shaped how we absorb, filter, and process information. It’s not distraction—it’s efficiency. We grew up balancing screens, notifications, and conversations, so multitasking becomes second nature. 

Even now, some of us work best with music on, a podcast playing, or from a busy café. These aren’t distractions—they’re tools that help us stay engaged, stimulated, and in rhythm with the pace of the digital world we’re at home in. 

Job hopping isn’t disloyalty; it’s our way of building roots.

Virtually all Gen Z workers say work is part of their identity, yet 83% consider themselves job hoppers. The key is to unpack why we move and what we’re really searching for. We aren’t switching to “chase titles” or “boost compensation quickly.” It’s about challenge, growth, and alignment. We want to learn, feel valued, do meaningful work, and land somewhere that reflects our values. And if something feels off, we’re not likely to “wait it out.” 

We’re figuring out what fits. Call it the Gold(Z)locks phase. It’s not about disloyalty, instability or greed. It’s about finding a home that feels authentic and exciting. We want to give our loyalty to a place that gives it back.

Implications 

There is a force within Gen Z that is driven, curious, and committed to doing meaningful work—even if it doesn’t look like what you’re used to. With the right guidance, we’ll make invaluable contributions to business and employee well-being. I’d encourage employers to embrace our optimism and be curious. There’s a world of opportunity in and through the different ways we see and do things.  

Paige Miller is an associate strategic planner at Blue Chip.