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Journalism of Courage
Written by Ruta Patil
Open Instagram and you’ll see GenZ work culture turned into reels by managers baffled by their ‘boundaries’, or in one of those viral clips by Khushal Sharmas, where a Gen Z employee refuses deadlines and blocks a client for calling at 8 pm. Add slang like ‘rizz’, ‘aura’, ‘main character energy’, ‘no cap’, and it’s easy to see how older generations have reduced them to memes.
As Gen Zs face a wave of workplace stereotypes, often branded as “entitled”, or “job-hoppers”, many young professionals are hitting back to argue how these labels overlook their drive, adaptability, and focus on meaningful career growth.
Aishwarya Kolhe, an HR professional and training coordinator, reflects a common industry concern. “I have noticed that Gen Zs have a reduced attention span. They do not take deadlines seriously. For them, if the day ends at 7 pm, they have to leave at 7 pm, disregarding the workload. They are not really that willing to go the extra mile. They are also more prone to job-hopping, prioritizing money over self-development.”
For many young employees, the criticism feels unfair. What older generations sometimes see as a lack of discipline is, in reality, a new and practical way of looking at productivity, one where mental health and flexibility matter as much as deadlines and deliverables, they say.
“We deliver our best work, but on our own terms,” says Sampada Bhuskute, a 23-year-old software engineer. “We will do the job, we will give our best, we will follow the deadline, but that should come with the liberty to choose how we do it. Job-hopping is sometimes seen negatively, but growth is necessary. Changing roles helps us learn faster and contribute better,” Bhuskute remarks.
For this generation, efficiency and mental health are not optional add-ons, but the foundation of work. “We don’t work hard, we work smart,” says Shreya Bhagwat, a 25-year-old data analyst. “Prioritizing mental health doesn’t mean we’re lazy. When my mind is in the right state, I deliver my best work. That’s how Gen Z functions differently, not less effectively.”
Discipline, too, finds its place in the Gen Z mindset. “I work very hard when I know I have to,” says 19-year-old illustrator Varun Date. “Discipline keeps me focused and away from unnecessary distractions. Motivation comes from a mix of passion, money, and flexibility. Stability and supportive workplaces are also important. If I work for a company, it must provide stability and timely income.”
Their drive doesn’t stop there. It extends to learning and adaptability. “What sets Gen Z apart is our curiosity and eagerness to learn,” says 24-year-old media professional Ritesh Mandal. “We actively seek new skills, experiment with ideas, and take on challenges that help us grow. That energy and willingness to adapt keep us ahead in a fast-changing environment.”
Even those who raise concerns acknowledge their strengths. As Aishwarya adds, “Gen Zs also bring energy, innovation, and creativity to everything they do; their contributions in the workplace are indeed significant.”
(Ruta Patil is an intern with The Indian Express)
