Turns out people from Gen Z aren’t bone-idle and unambitious after all

More than a third of office employees (37 percent) feel their work ethic has improved over the past 12 months, according to a new study. This is particularly apparent among younger people such as those belonging to so-called Gen Z, as the figure rises to more than half of those aged 18-24 (55 percent) and 25-34 (57 percent). One in five (22 percent) suggest they ‘always go above and beyond’, with the same number saying that they will ‘do whatever needs to be done to deliver’.

By comparison, around one in 10 (nine percent) aren’t willing to work beyond their designated hours, and a mere four percent admit that they lack the motivation to do any more than what’s required of their role. The Work Remastered 2024 study, analysing 1,000 office workers across the UK and US, was carried out by consultancy United Culture.

It also suggests that although the desire for stability and security remains workers’ biggest driver overall (for 52 percent of the sample), younger employees aged 18-24 are the most likely to be motivated by the need for status and promotion (31 percent, compared to an average of 19 percent) and winning/competition (25 percent, compared to 16 percent on average).

This Gen Z and below age group is also the most likely to see promotion as the most important recognition for the contribution and the impact they have in the workplace – 47 percent said so, even ranking it ahead of financial compensation.

Victoria Lewis-Stephens, managing director at United Culture, says: “There is a lot of talk about the allegedly diminishing work ethic in business, especially among younger generations, but it is just that – talk. The truth is that properly motivated people, with supportive managers and an encouraging company culture, will give ‘110 percent’.

“But it is true that organisations need to readjust their expectations of people – particularly younger generations – not working a 70 plus hour week doesn’t reflect levels of motivation and work ethic. If an organisation understands what drives and motivates its employees, it can adapt accordingly and ensure they get the development and recognition they deserve. It’s clear that for many, moving up the ladder is a primary concern. Give them opportunities to show what they’re really made of.”