Gen Z Expects 11 Things At Work That Most Boomers Find Extremely Unrealistic
Zamrznuti tonovi | Shutterstock Gen Z and boomers don't always agree on what's reasonable to expect at work.
As younger workers build their careers, they bring fresh perspectives and new approaches to workplace culture, including some expectations boomers find totally unrealistic. Many boomers were encouraged to do what was expected of them and make work a top priority, even when it meant putting their own needs last. Now, Gen Z workers are more willing to question those rules and ask for what they need to be the best workers they possibly can be. What feels like a reasonable request to one generation can sound like a request for special treatment to another.
Gen Z expects 11 things at work that boomers find totally unrealistic:
1. Flexible hours that let them work when they're most productive
NDAB Creativity | Shutterstock
Even though 40 hours a week, typically from 9 to 5, has been the industry standard for working hours, more Gen Zers are pushing for more flexible work schedules.
While many of them certainly value hard work, they value it where and when they feel most productive. This may be at their office desk at 9 a.m. sharp, or at a coffee shop at noon, where they set up their laptop at noon.
Many working Gen Zers report that rigid office hours hinder their productivity and believe that they would thrive with flexibility that supports a healthy work-life balance. Many Gen Z workers want flexibility that helps them balance their jobs with their personal lives. iHire’s 2024 research found that 81.3% of Gen Z respondents considered it very or extremely important for employers to provide enough flexibility to support a healthy work-life balance.
"Flexibility is the new norm and expectation from employees. We're going to see this trend continue in the months ahead," chief marketing officer at CareerBuilder Kristin Kelley stated.
On the other hand, boomers are likely less concerned about flexibility, since work has been highly prioritized, even if it means they are working well into the night to impress their employers.
2. The option to work from home when their job allows it
Prostock-studio | Shutterstock
Many Gen Zers became accustomed to remote work during the pandemic, when it was the only option, and discovered benefits that in-person work did not offer. As such, one of the things Gen Z wants at work that boomers find totally unrealistic is remote or hybrid work.
Remote work offers more flexibility, better work-life balance, reduced commuting stress, and cost savings on work attire and transportation. One study by Seramount found that about 11% of Gen Z workers favor fully remote work.
However, the majority of them seem to favor a hybrid work environment that allows them to work both in the office and at home. According to a Gallup poll, 65% of Gen Zers prefer a hybrid work environment.
Even though Gen Zers like having the option to work remotely on certain days when commuting to the office is difficult, many boomers have dismissed them as lazy and unmotivated because they never had the same options. They were always expected to come to work in person, no matter their circumstances.
3. Mental health support from their employer
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A | Shutterstock
To ensure the well-being of their employees, many Gen Z workers are urging workplaces to offer mental health services. When an employee is struggling with their mental health, keeping up with work can be harder than usual. By addressing mental health concerns, employers help employees feel seen and heard, making them more likely to seek necessary support and to be fully engaged and productive at work.
A recent survey of American businesses revealed that 94% of large companies offer mental health services to their employees, including access to telehealth options and employee assistance programs. However, some boomers may view poor mental health as just something employees need to learn to cope with and power through while they are at work.
4. Unlimited paid time off
Dikushin Dmitry | Shutterstock
Paid time off (PTO) will look different at every company. But in today's competitive job market, offering progressive perks such as unlimited PTO can make all the difference in attracting Gen Z candidates. And it's one of the things Gen Z wants at work that boomers find totally unrealistic.
Gen Zers prioritize a steady work-life balance and value the autonomy that unlimited PTO would offer them. According to a 2024 survey from the Society for Human Resource Management, 7% of employers offer unlimited PTO to their employees. Some of these companies are those Gen Z is very familiar with, including Netflix, Microsoft, and Chegg.
Some boomers may believe that unlimited time off is impractical and that many employees would take advantage of it. However, it may improve employee well-being and productivity, since they are the ones in the driver's seat when it comes to their vacation schedules.
5. A job that leaves room for a personal life
Jacob Lund | Shutterstock
According to a 2024 UKG survey, 83% of Gen Z frontline workers reported feeling burned out, and 36% said they’d quit because their job negatively affected their physical or mental health. When employees can strike a balance between their work and personal life, they are less likely to experience the burnout and fatigue that so many American workers are encountering.
Taking time away from work to rest, recuperate, and engage in personal hobbies that bring them joy allows employees to recharge both mentally and physically when they're off the clock. That way, when they return to work, they will be well-rested and ready to tackle the daily tasks.
"This is a generation that often seeks purpose, connection and a sense of progress in their work — values which, when not met, can make frontline roles feel exhausting or even uninspiring," business psychologist Dannielle Haig explained, referring to Gen Z workers.
"They're also known to be more open about discussing well-being and mental health, which means they're not just feeling burnout — they're also more comfortable identifying and labeling it."
6. A dress code that lets them be comfortable and express themselves
Mix and Match Studio | Shutterstock
Many Gen Zers are all about comfortable fashion that allows them to express their identity. They want to bring this idea into the workplace. Unlike generations before them, who often had to abide by strict dress codes depending on where they worked, younger workers are pushing to work in whatever attire makes them most comfortable.
Many Gen Zers prefer to find unique ways to combine professionalism with personal style, redefining many workplace fashion standards that were once rigid and discouraged diverse styles. A person's clothing choices don't reflect the kind of worker they are, and Gen Z seems especially aware of this, though boomers may find that totally unrealistic.
7. Regular feedback and credit for their hard work
Suteren Studio | Shutterstock
Another thing Gen Z wants at work, which boomers find totally unrealistic, is consistent feedback and recognition from their employers. They want to know how they are performing, what they can improve, and how to grow in their careers, while also being praised for all of the work they contribute to their companies.
Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that 86% of Gen Z respondents wanted mentorship and guidance to help them build their skills. They want managers who help them grow, and regular feedback gives them a chance to understand what they’re doing well and where they can improve. Recognizing their hard work along the way also helps them feel appreciated.
Many Gen Z workers crave recognition and appreciation for all of the efforts they bring to their workplace. Consistent feedback makes them aware that their work is appreciated and noticed, and that their team leaders care about their overall success. Boomers, on the other hand, are often less reliant on feedback and recognition to perform well at their jobs.
8. Honest answers about pay and company decisions
insta_photos | Shutterstock
Many Gen Z employees appreciate being kept in the loop on the latest updates about employee payments, company decisions, and internal matters, as it makes them feel like a real part of the team. They like to have a solid understanding of the company's culture and obtain a good idea of what they'll be getting into.
They want important information to be easy to find, especially when it affects their pay, responsibilities, or future at the company. They want to work for a company that they know will be honest and upfront with them.
Boomers, however, may feel that certain matters are best kept private and simply do their jobs rather than press their employers for information that should have been transparent to them.
9. Up-to-date technology that makes their job easier
insta_photos | Shutterstock
Innovative technology is something Gen Z wants at work, but boomers find it totally unrealistic. Because cutting-edge technology has become such a significant part of Gen Z's everyday life, they expect to see the same kind of technological growth in the workplace.
Having grown up with smartphones and the internet, Gen Z is considered the first "digital native" generation, making them comfortable navigating complex digital systems and adopting new technologies, which can be crucial in the workforce.
The latest technological advancements can help track projects and streamline task management, allow employees to communicate regardless of their location, and replace physical paperwork, saving time and reducing costs.
Gen Z workers rely on this technology to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Since boomers didn't have access to today's technology, they may deem it unnecessary in the workplace.
10. A say in decisions, even when they're not the boss
PeopleImages.com - Yuri A | Shutterstock
Rather than bowing down to those of higher status, many Gen Z workers prefer a professional environment that promotes teamwork, open communication, and collaborative decision-making.
In a hierarchical structure, power and authority are clearly defined and concentrated at the top, with decision-making flowing from the top down. In a collaborative environment, every team member has a say in decision-making.
Gen Zers often value teamwork, diverse perspectives, and the ability to share knowledge to solve complex issues, where every employee can contribute and learn from one another. Boomers may be more accustomed to a top-down approach with a clear higher-up figure in charge.
11. Work they care about, not just a paycheck
Yaroslav Astakhov | Shutterstock
Purpose plays a pivotal role in what Gen Z wants at work, something boomers find totally unrealistic. For Gen Zers, 86% of them view purpose-driven work as crucial to their overall well-being and satisfaction. They want to work for companies that give them a sense of purpose and align with their values, not just for a hefty paycheck.
Gen Zers want to care about what they do for a living and feel that their work serves a purpose beyond paying the bills. They appreciate jobs where they can see a direct impact of their efforts and feel like they are contributing to something bigger than themselves.
For a generation as socially aware as Gen Z, a job like this is a dream come true. But boomers may be more focused on the financial gains of their jobs than on the satisfaction they derive from them, especially if they have families to feed.
Megan Quinn is a staff writer with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in Creative Writing. She covers news and lifestyle topics focused on workplace justice, personal relationships, parenting debates, and the human experience.
