There’s no shortage of opinions about Gen Z in the workplace. You’ve probably heard a few of them:
“They don’t want to work.”
“They can’t take criticism.”
“They expect too much, too soon.”
But what if these assumptions are more fiction than fact?
In our Gen Z 101 webinar, expert speaker Laura addressed some of the most persistent Gen Z myths head-on, backed by data, real-world experience, and direct conversations with Gen Z employees.
Here’s what’s actually true—and what companies need to unlearn if they want to create a workplace Gen Z thrives in.
Myth 1: Gen Z doesn’t want to work
Not only is this false—it’s statistically backwards.
“There’s no country in Western Europe where young people work as much as in the Netherlands,” said Laura. “Seventy-seven percent of Dutch Gen Z’ers have jobs. The European average is just 35%.”
Gen Z is working. What they’re doing differently is questioning how and why we work the way we do. That doesn’t mean they’re lazy—it means they’re reflective. And willing to challenge old systems if they no longer make sense.
Many are also realistic: with rising housing prices and extended retirement ages, long-term financial motivation looks different. They’re not necessarily chasing 20-year tenure—they’re looking for alignment in the short- and medium-term.
Myth 2: They expect unrealistic salaries
There’s a perception that Gen Z enters the job market with inflated expectations. But that perspective rarely takes context into account.
“Because of inflation, Gen Z’s purchasing power is often lower than what people earned 20 years ago,” said Laura. “In some cases, they’re actually making less in real terms than previous generations did.”
Yes, they ask questions about pay. And yes, they want to be compensated fairly. But most aren’t asking for the moon—they’re asking for transparency, and a level of financial security that reflects today’s reality.
Myth 3: They can’t handle feedback
This one comes up a lot, but it’s less about what Gen Z can handle and more about how feedback is delivered.
“They want feedback. They even invest more in coaching and personal development than any generation before them,” Laura noted. “But they do want it to be timely, personal, and constructive—not cold or vague.”
They respond best to one-on-one conversations, delivered close to the moment something happens. If it’s overly harsh or delayed for weeks, it’s more likely to feel discouraging than helpful.
Importantly, they want feedback to be part of a culture, not just something that happens when something’s gone wrong.
Myth 4: They just want to work from home
Remote work is often painted as Gen Z’s dream. But in reality, most are looking for a balance.
“They want hybrid,” said Laura. “Most don’t want to work remotely full-time. They want connection, especially with their colleagues.”
That social side of work—impromptu chats, in-person collaboration, even just eating lunch together—means a lot to them. At the same time, they also value the efficiency and flexibility of working from home a couple of days a week.
The sweet spot? A hybrid setup that respects their time, but also gives them reasons to show up.
And when they do come in, they notice the details—like whether the office is stocked with things that support their health and energy.
Hydration is one of those details. It may sound small, but it’s often mentioned alongside things like office snacks, natural light, and flexible schedules.
It’s why something like Aquablu REFILL+ fits naturally into a Gen Z-friendly office: it’s functional, wellness-focused, and shows you care about the experience of being at work, not just the output.
Final thoughts
Most Gen Z “problems” aren’t problems at all. They’re the growing pains of a workforce in transition.
This generation isn’t unmotivated. They’re intentional.
They’re not sensitive. They’re feedback-aware.
They’re not entitled. They’re asking good questions.
And when you meet them with clarity, structure, and a bit of care (yes—even in the form of better water), they show up in a big way.
Want more Gen Z insights?
Get our full eBook for practical workplace tips, top quotes from Laura, and everything we covered in the Gen Z 101 webinar—designed to help you lead, engage, and grow the next generation of talent.
by
Joshua
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