Stereotypes about Gen Z are omnipresent. From convenience to a perceived greater focus on work-life balance rather than work, those born between 1995 and 2009 seem to be lazier than ever.
The changing world of work: conflicts between generations?
But it's not quite that simple, explains psychologist and generational researcher Rüdiger Maas. Due to the labor market, the young generation has a lot of choices and can choose what they like best. As a result, the importance of the world of work for young people has also shifted. A representative of Generation Z, who was interviewed for MDR, confirms Maas' assumption: "The young would rather not have a job than one that makes them unhappy. Happiness and personal fulfillment are more important to them than just working. I have the feeling that older people "They don't have this focus so much. For them, what matters most is having a job and doing it well."
Is everything rosy in paradise?
However, these choices for the younger generation can cause frustration among older workers because they have not been able to take advantage of the wealth of options. They had to wait a long time or struggle through a lot of things: "Older people who previously had to work harder could develop social envy if they see that younger employees are treated preferentially without appreciating it ," says Maas.