Generation Z, or simply Gen Z, is in a league of its own. The generation that succeeded the Millennials is the first one to grow up with access to the internet, is more tech-savvy, and has arguably developed social consciousness at a young age. Most notably, as the youngest generation currently working and paying taxes, Gen Z has also established a workplace etiquette that every generation can learn from.

While every generation has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses, there really is something valuable we can learn from the youngest ones. Gone are the days of unpaid overtime and unhealthy work environments. This generation knows when to speak up, especially when it’s needed, and they won’t shy away from calling out toxic behaviors.

In this article, we’ve compiled some workplace lessons from Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012, according to Beresford Research) that are worth adapting.

Working Based on Paycheck

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z doesn’t glorify hustle culture that much. If anything, they hardly buy into it at all. While some may attribute this to laziness, for Gen Z, it’s as simple as ABC: if a job only pays for 8 hours, they’ll work for what they are paid for. Overtime requires payment, and any unnecessary burnout isn’t welcome.

For them, any extra effort must be compensated. This isn’t entitlement; this is respecting their own time and value. And if a company truly needs extra manpower, additional compensation should be non-negotiable. A generation known for calling out anything that doesn’t sit right with them, they have also been criticizing companies that demand extensive hiring qualifications, while also offering low salaries. This behavior, as they say, is kind of sus.

Clear and Concise Communication

Gen Z is accustomed to concise and direct communication. While instructions or updates sometimes require longer explanations, wouldn’t it be nice to get the point across quickly? This will not only save each other’s time but will also avoid misunderstandings.

This one is debatable, though, as some information is best explained in full without leaving out important points. But Gen Z values honesty and transparency above all else, so even when details are necessary, they prefer communication that’s clear and straightforward — whether it’s face-to-face, through emails, or through messaging applications.

Demanding Diversity and Inclusion

As a generation practically raised by the internet, Gen Z has been exposed to diverse perspectives and cultures. Beyond the workplace, this generation strongly believes in equality and inclusivity, with most treating and seeing everyone as equal regardless of gender, race, or cultural background. Younger millennials have also practiced this workplace behavior, but Gen Z tends to be more vocal about it.

That’s not to say previous generations don’t value the same principles, but Gen Z — thanks, of course, to social media and various forms of art — has been more open and aware of some of the complex dynamics at play in society today. And, for some reason, they can always spot when inclusivity is inauthentic. A rainbow flag displayed in offices during Pride Month? A company marketing itself as diverse without much diversity in sight? Unless inclusion is genuinely reflected in the office culture, these won’t ring true.

Prioritizing Work-Life Balance

Although some Gen Zers, like other generations, still take pride in their job titles, for them, it isn't something to be defined by. A job isn’t everything. Some of them simply treat their jobs as their source of income. And it’s true: work is just another part of everyone’s life. Beyond that, there are social connections, hobbies, and other important aspects of life that deserve their time too.

This is why Gen Z truly values working based on their paycheck. They also appreciate when companies respect each other’s time. They seek harmony between their professional and personal lives. Especially during the height of the pandemic, when it was proven that working remotely was feasible, most of them won’t engage much with companies that insist on office-only policies. A healthy work-life balance is a priority for most of them, and they appreciate employers who understand the importance of personal time.

Mental Health Is Essential

This is a non-negotiable for them. Gen Z is always up for breaking generational curses, and this goes beyond the four walls of their home. In previous generations, mental health was often overlooked in exchange for strong performance at work. But Gen Z approaches this differently, prioritizing well-being above everything else.

While mental health issues don’t always manifest physically (and were once a taboo topic for older generations), Gen Z recognizes mental health as just as important as physical health. Career is important, and so is well-being.