Generation Z demands: flexibility instead of rigid working hours!

Generation Z demands: flexibility instead of rigid working hours!

There is currently a heated debate in the Rhenish town of Hamm about what Generation Z - a term that describes those born between 1996 and 2009 - expects from the traditional world of work and how these young people feel on the job market. At an education fair, influencer and participant of Germany's Next Top Model, Julian Kamps, expressed his dissatisfaction with the classic working day after only three weeks of employment. “Three and a half hours of free time after a working day from 7:30 a.m. to 6:41 p.m. – can that really be the model of life?” Kamps asks in a viral video that is receiving a lot of attention in the current debate about work culture. The discourse about the burden of the eight-hour day and the expectations of young people is gaining momentum, and it is becoming clear that Generation Z is not simply ready to make the same sacrifices as their predecessors.

As the Tagesschau reports, many representatives of this generation attach great importance to a good work-life balance. 16-year-old Selahattin dreams of becoming independent and not having to go to the office every day. “Working every day is not for me,” he admits, while his peers are also thinking about flexible working models. His girlfriend Finja, a student, finds the regular working day stressful and would like alternative working hours that offer more space for private life. Alexander, a trainee, sees his current job as a duty, but would like to have flexitime in the future.

Employers’ skepticism

But what about the other side of the coin? Matthias Kottmann, managing director of a metal processing company, expresses concerns about the willingness of his younger employees to work. He emphasizes that the discussion about work-life balance should not ignore the need for work performance. “The question remains how much flexibility the economy can tolerate without productivity suffering,” he says. However, Tidi von Tiedemann, managing director of a film production company, sees the flexibility as an opportunity. He reports that concessions to young employees could increase their motivation and even help counteract the shortage of skilled workers.

The survey results from Statista underline the perspective of Generation Z. Around 78 percent are willing to change jobs if better earning opportunities arise. Almost two thirds want an open and modern management culture that values ​​their achievements. In addition, 75 percent demand support in the area of ​​mental health at work.

How does Generation Z compare?

However, not all that glitters is gold: While around 6.2 million people between the ages of 20 and 29 are employed in Germany subject to social security contributions, Generation Z makes up a total of around 12 million of the population, which corresponds to a share of around 14.8 percent. Concerns about this generation's productivity are not unfounded among older generations. Over two-thirds of older generation ratings view Gen Z as less capable. According to surveys, two thirds of Gen Z strive for professional success, similar to Millennials.

The debate is therefore not just about whether the new working models could affect the retirement of future workers, but also about how the economy and society as a whole respond to the needs of a generation that wants to redefine working life. Demands for a more flexible lifestyle could have the potential to permanently change work culture. It remains to be seen whether employers are willing to support this change or whether skepticism and tradition will reign supreme.

In the debate about the working model of the future, it seems essential to promote mutual understanding between employers and Generation Z in order to find a way that does justice to both sides. The Rhineland is experiencing an exciting phase in the structure of the working world - whether reporting is lazy or diligent remains to be seen.