Gen Z in the workplace: Should they adapt or should employers meet them halfway?

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Across social media and workplace forums, opinions are split. Some older professionals argue that Gen Z, born roughly between 1995 and 2012, lacks resilience, discipline, and respect for hierarchy.

Others praise their boldness, digital fluency, and strong emphasis on mental health and purpose-driven work.

In South Africa, where Gen Z is expected to make up 40% of the workforce by 2030, this generational tension is impossible to ignore.

Those who believe employers should adapt say Gen Z brings fresh ideas, values, and flexibility that modern workplaces need. Studies show that 86% of Gen Zs consider purpose key to job satisfaction, while 77% value work-life balance above all else.
28 Oct 2025 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

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