Generation Z is redefining what it means to thrive in the workplace. Born between 1997 and 2012, this cohort is growing up in a world of climate anxiety, technological acceleration, and social consciousness. As the oldest Gen Zs turn 28, they are not only entering the workforce but actively reshaping it. Their expectations are setting a new pace, and “slow” is no longer just uncool, it might be a red flag.
Speed, Access, and Purpose
Gen Z has grown up with on-demand everything. Streaming, same-day delivery, real-time news, and instant communication have formed their expectations. In the workplace, they demand similar immediacy. A recent EY survey showed that 69% of Gen Z workers want their employer to prioritise technology that makes work faster and more efficient. They expect rapid feedback, fast-track growth, and streamlined tools. Slow systems signal inefficiency and apathy to them.
Why Culture Needs to Keep Up
It’s not just technology. Gen Z expects company culture to be equally fast-moving and responsive. They value clear values, swift action on social issues, and open communication. Deloitte research in 2024 revealed that 55% of Gen Zs had rejected a job or assignment based on a misalignment with their personal values. If leadership is slow to evolve, acknowledge mistakes, or adapt policies, Gen Z is quick to disengage.
The Cost of Not Adapting
For employers, failing to keep pace comes with consequences. Gen Z is the most likely generation to job hop, with a 2023 McKinsey report noting that 61% are open to new roles at any given time. Workplaces perceived as outdated or sluggish face higher turnover, lower engagement, and weaker employer branding. For recruitment and retention strategies, speed and alignment aren’t just preferences, they’re business-critical.
What Can Employers Do?
To meet Gen Z expectations, businesses should audit their tech stack for friction points, implement feedback loops that move quickly, and build cultures that are transparent and values-driven. Progress should be visible and actionable. Empowered by pace and purpose, Gen Z can become a powerful engine for innovation. But only if they see an organisation moving with them, not behind them.
“Slow” in the workplace used to mean methodical. Today, to Gen Z, it often means broken. Employers need to ask themselves not just how fast they move, but what that speed signals to the generation reshaping the workforce.
