Gen Z Wants to Lead – But Only 4 Days a Week
As the newest generation enters the workforce in droves this summer, they’re bringing big dreams and even bigger demands. While older generations may have embraced the grind in pursuit of success, Gen Z is rewriting the workplace rulebook, aiming for the top while protecting their mental health along the way.
A survey of 2,000 Gen Z conducted by EduBirdie sheds light on a generation determined to rise but on their own terms. The findings reveal an ambitious cohort, with nearly 60% setting their sights on executive roles within just five years, despite the average age of U.S. C-suite leaders currently sitting around 56, according to Korn Ferry. But for Gen Z, ambition doesn’t mean overexertion.
In fact, work-life balance is a central pillar of Gen Z’s professional philosophy. Nearly 3 in 4 say they would take a pay cut for a four-day workweek, and for some, that’s not a small compromise — 23% would give up to 30% of their salary, and 6% would sacrifice as much as 80%. It’s a new strategy rather than laziness. Gen Z knows their limits, and they’re willing to draw a hard line.
The Cost of Hustle Culture
Despite the drive to succeed, the grind takes its toll. 47% of respondents admit to occasionally underperforming at work, prioritizing their mental health over productivity. 12% do so regularly to avoid added responsibility, a move reflecting both a resistance to burnout and a distrust of traditional reward structures.
And while 60% of Gen Z workers say they thrive in team environments, collaboration isn’t always the solution when things go south. More than half of young employees (52%) prefer to keep mistakes under wraps and solve them independently, rather than ask for help.
Some of these tendencies may come from exhaustion. A striking 39% of Gen Z workers are holding down more than one job, with over 10% hiding it from their main employer. While 65% cite financial need as the reason, others point to passion projects (20%) or long-term planning (13%) as driving forces behind the side hustle trend.
But all this hustle has emotional consequences. Over half of Gen Z respondents have cried at work, and 6% say it’s a regular occurrence.
Quiet Quitting Gets Loud
Gen Z may be working hard, but they’re also edging toward the exit. Nearly half (49%) are considering quitting in the near future, whether for a mental health break, a career pivot, or just a chance to unwind. 23% say they’re ready to leave but feel paralyzed by the current job market. Another 15% are too burned out to even update their resume.
For some, the idea of stepping away isn’t abstract — 7% have firm plans for a sabbatical this year, and 15% are thinking about it. A significant 21% say they’d rather trade their desk for a beach and swap meetings for mojitos if only their bank accounts would allow it.
But salary isn’t everything. Respect and workplace fairness are dealbreakers for this generation. Half of Gen Z workers would walk away from a job if they discovered pay inequities with peers, and 30% would quit if publicly criticized by a manager. A full 11% say returning to the office would be enough to trigger their resignation, and weekends? They’re strictly off-limits for 19%.
Stress Behind the Screen
Even the simplest tasks can cause anxiety in today’s workplace. 77% of Gen Z workers say workplace communication causes them anxiety, from turning on their camera during video calls to participating in face-to-face meetings with their boss. A 1 in 3 fear speaking with unfamiliar colleagues, and nearly 1 in 4 experience physical tension during virtual meetings.
There is also a social minefield in addition to work-related pressure. Many Gen Zers worry about how they’re perceived: 31% fear being called a “tryhard,” 26% don’t want to appear antisocial, and 22% worry that they will be seen as incompetent.
Despite these fears, there is a glimmer of hope. Half of Gen Z employees say they feel supported and valued by their bosses — an important component in maintaining the interest and motivation of young talent.
Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie, comments: “Gen Z isn’t afraid to push boundaries. They want to climb the career ladder quickly. Still, they are not willing to sacrifice their mental health to get there. This generation is redefining the concept of “working hard.” Gen Z values balance, respect, and fairness more than ever before.”
They may not always follow the traditional path, but Gen Z is carving out a new way forward. Companies should adopt new approaches or risk losing them. Gen Z is showing that success does not necessarily have to come at the expense of well-being. So, clocking in just to burn out is one rule Gen Z refuses to follow.