What if everything you’ve heard about Gen Z is wrong?
“They don’t want to work.”
“They’re glued to their phones.”
“They have no loyalty.”
For years, Millennials and Gen Z employees have been labelled unfairly as entitled, lazy, or unreliable. But these perceptions aren’t new. In fact, similar critiques were once hurled at Baby Boomers. Each generation is shaped by a unique context, and today’s younger workers are no different. Born between 1981–1996 (Millennials) and 1997–2012 (Gen Z), they’ve grown up in a world dominated by technology, and it shows in how they connect, think, and work.
These cohorts have been in our workplaces for decades, yet many leaders are still struggling to engage with them, and relate to them, in meaningful ways.
What is everything you’ve heard about younger workers is wrong?
In my view, we need to approach our leadership of these employees knowing they share three characteristics: Connection, Curiosity, and Conscientiousness. With lifelong exposure to digital tools, they see technology not as a barrier but rather as a gateway to possibility. They’re globally networked, actively sharing ideas across borders, cultures, and disciplines with ease. They’re inquisitive learners, eager to experiment and explore. And they care deeply about the planet and the people who live on it. They are driven by purpose.
Why does this matter? Because Millennials now make up the largest share of Canada’s working-age population and are the fastest-growing group in the country. Gen Z follows closely behind. Together, they already account for a third of workers aged 15–64 and will soon outnumber Boomers and Gen X in the workplace.
Understanding what drives these generations isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. Organizations that want to remain competitive must learn how to engage, attract, and retain all of their workers. And leaders must learn how to communicate with, motivate and inspire all generations in the workplace, and particularly younger employees. Not only are they the future, they’re already shaping the present. And the sooner we stop seeing them through outdated stereotypes and start seeing them for who they truly are, the better prepared we’ll be.
For all the eye rolls, hot takes, and sweeping generalizations about Millennials and Gen Z, one truth remains: they’re already reshaping our workplaces and they’re just getting started.
