Gen Z is known for doing things differently. Unlike previous generations, they fiercely protect their work-life balance, set strict boundaries, and refuse to be a doormat for workplace hierarchies. They won’t hesitate to call out unfair practices or quit a toxic job, a mindset that has earned them both admiration and criticism. But are these traits making them hard to work with?
A recent tweet by Harnidh Kaur sparked a heated discussion on this topic. Sharing her thoughts on X, she wrote about how many of her friends are hesitant to hire Gen Z employees – not because they lack intelligence or skills, but because of their workplace behavior. Apparently, they are “rude”, “difficult to work with” and “don’t know how to behave with other colleagues”.
So many of my friends are now not hiring gen z NOT because they aren’t smart or good at their jobs (they are) but because they’re rude, difficult to work with, and don’t know how to behave with other colleagues. Honestly hard to defend a lot of the stuff lol.
— Harnidh Kaur (@harnidhish) December 3, 2024
To quote a someone who’s really put in the effort to try and bridge the gap- ‘they expect everyone to make space for and care about their feelings but if you ask them to care about anyone else’s, it’s too much work for them and they lash out’
Ouch :/
— Harnidh Kaur (@harnidhish) December 3, 2024
This statement quickly went viral, and opinions poured in from all sides. Interestingly, most people stood up for Gen Z, arguing that the younger generation is simply unafraid to demand respect and fairness at work. Many applauded their courage to challenge outdated workplace norms and put their well-being first.
Have a look:
way to go with the generalisation!
I can say the same for boomers and millenials who don’t want to pay their employees fairly, have no life of their own, want everyone to slog at work, and are mostly intolerant of diversity and yes, they generalise 🙂The new generation wants…
— Divyanshu (@divyanshu_nd) December 3, 2024
The old generations eventually have to adapt or go home, and they are one of the smartest generations. The older ones have an ego problem if they feel hurt.
— Mohit Saharan (@MindOfBharat) December 3, 2024
Hatred against Gen Z is biased. They belong to a diff era and its time for others to adjust with them.
Every gen thinks that its successor generation is bad or inefficient.
Forget at workplace, we have them in the family. They are as bad or good as previous generation.— I Am The Walrus (@DMTForBrain) December 3, 2024
80% chance that “rude/difficult to work with” means not doing free unpaid overtime work and sacrificing their life for someone else’s business.
— Ajinkya Parulekar (@Ajinkya_027) December 3, 2024
You can’t win without the support of the next generation. Gen Z freshers are half my age and have twice my energy and enthusiasm.
I have met and hired some amazing kids and they are going to take India to new heights. ?
— Arvind Nagaraj [email protected] (@nagaraj_arvind) December 3, 2024
Lol?
That’s a shame?
Gen? s R the voices of the prev-gen that took the crappy system & faced that rudeness. As heard”yahan Aisa hi hotha hai” or “this is the way & if Uwant 2stay➡️ follow us”.Hoping Gen Z would be able to Break the loop & Grow Phenomenally in the Right Way
— ?️®️????ℹ️? (@rashmiphtc) December 3, 2024
The moment GenZ steps up n ask for their rightful claims budhaus just starts outright criticism but never mend their behavior!
— Thik hi hu (@Kuchhnhihota) December 3, 2024
I am not a GENz but I love how they are prioritising their own self over the BS around.
— ‘Sumeet Anand’ (@anand_lifts) December 3, 2024
Translation: GenZ refuse to get exploited. They don’t like to stay in office for 14 hours. They don’t accept No whenever I refuse their request of leaves. They don’t massage my ego. They don’t lick my ass. They don’t do mam mam 24×7. That’s why I hate them.
— Chandresh (@Chandre86817434) December 3, 2024
I don’t think they’re bad or anything. There are way too many ‘experienced’ people sulking that the next generation is not falling on their feet just because they are elder.
— Package factory (@Guiltyapa) December 3, 2024
What do you think – is Gen Z setting new standards or just being “difficult”?