Throughout the last year, Gen Z has found itself at the forefront of headlines when it comes to their work ethic and bad stereotypes of America’s youngest workers.
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Bringing their parents to job interviews, nap time, underperforming at work, and more: They may be jokes, but Gen Z is now saying those stereotypes are negatively impacting their careers.
According to a new survey from Intelligent.com, 80% of Gen Z workers say that the negative headlines and characterizations of their work habits have affected their careers.
Among the stereotypes most often used to portray Gen Z are lazy, unprofessional, or entitled, the poll found.
“When employees are unfairly labeled as ‘lazy’ or ‘entitled,’ it can be incredibly demotivating and create barriers to their career progression,” Huy Nguyen, Intelligent.com’s chief education and career development advisor, said in the report.
The survey found that 49% of respondents felt these stereotypes have gotten in the way of them growing in their careers, prevented them from receiving raises, and affected their chances of being promoted.
Because of the stereotypes being hurled at them, Gen Z reports feeling a greater need to prove themselves compared to their coworkers from other generations, per the study.
When it comes to leadership potential, 46% said they are trying harder to show they have what it takes, while 34% said they are trying to show they’re reliable, and 33% are trying to prove their technical skills.
The report also highlighted the tensions Gen Z workers have with their older coworkers, as 1 in 5 said stereotypes have been the primary cause of relational difficulties they face.
“Gen Z grew up in a digital-first world that shaped their approach to work, emphasizing flexibility and mental well-being,” Nguyen said. “While these values sometimes clash with traditional workplace norms, they should not diminish perceptions of their capabilities or commitment.”
The survey included responses from 1,000 full-time US workers and comes as many have begun to reexamine their workplace and careers.
A recent report from SideHustles.comfound that 1 in 4 workers are working multiple jobs, including 24% of Gen Z. Only Gen X beat out Gen Z, with 27% of the older generation picking up extra jobs.
Another report from Gallup Poll found that a shakeup in the workplace may soon be coming, as 51% of workers are looking for a new job, and just 18% of workers said they are “extremely” satisfied with their current job.
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