Stereotypes cost Gen Z jobs and promotions, despite extra effort

Many Gen Zers say they have to work unreasonably hard to prove their leadership and potential reliability. According to the study, 48% feel negative stereotypes have limited their opportunities for career growth and have been denied promotions, raises and opportunities to do meaningful work. One in five Gen Z employees say that these stereotypes are the cause of tension with older generations.

“When employees are unfairly labeled as ‘lazy’ or ‘entitled,’ it can be incredibly demotivating and create barriers to their career progression,” says Intelligent.com’s Chief Education and Career Development Advisor, Huy Nguyen. “Gen Z grew up in a digital-first world that shaped their approach to work, emphasizing flexibility and mental wellbeing. While these values sometimes clash with traditional workplace norms, they should not diminish perceptions of their capabilities or commitment.”

Over 20% of Gen Z employees reported that their work was scrutinized more closely than older colleagues, they had been overlooked for meaningful projects or responsibilities and they had been assigned “busy-work” that seemed to undermine their contributions.

In order to counteract these stereotypes 46% of Gen Z employees say they’ve had to work especially hard to demonstrate leadership potential. In addition, many Gen Z employees mentioned feeling pressured to overcompensate in other areas such as commitment and reliability (34%), technical skills (33%), and independent work abilities (32%).

“Gen Z has grown up with mobile devices and high-speed internet and more often prefers instant messaging and collaborating asynchronously using digital tools. They often prefer quick, informal communication channels over following email strings or formally scheduled meetings. This can clash with older generations’ preferences for more formal workplace communication,” said Nguyen.