Grit, Gen Z-style: An HR's thought-provoking LinkedIn post on work-life balance
Job candidate turns down position due to weekend work demands, leaves HR organization commendable: "Saturday shifts not desired for avoidance of career exhaustion".
A post by a Talent Acquisition Specialist on LinkedIn is gathering steam after praising a Gen Z jobseeker for turning down a position that demanded occasional Saturday work. Riya Dadhich, who works at Firstsource, shared her experience with a 25-year-old woman whose job-refusal approach left Dadhich deeply impressed and challenged the usual Gen Z workplace stereotypes.
In her post, Dadhich addresses a common belief she encounters in the corporate world: that Gen Z lacks patience, commitment, and ambition. However, her interaction with the young woman changed her viewpoint. When Dadhich asked if this candidate could work some Saturdays, the candidate declined, stating, "I'm dedicated to delivering excellence, but I don't want a career that frazzles me by thirty."
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Initially, Dadhich confesses feeling somewhat irritated by the response. However, she soon transitioned to admiration. According to Dadhich, the candidate displayed the courage to voice what many employees, particularly from older generations, have long felt but never expressed.
"She had the gumption to call out what many of us never dared. We were taught to keep quiet. To grin and bear it during late nights. To equate burnout with success. To say yes when we should've said no. Now, though?" she wrote.
Her post sparks a wider conversation about mental health, work-life balance, and evolving definitions of ambition in the workplace.
One user comments, "This one stings harder than a Monday morning meeting! I love how you've shone a light on the corporate grind - Gen Z ain't here for the coffee, they're here to stir the pot."
Another shares a personal story, stating, "This is relatable. I was offered a similar position - a six-day workweek with no weekend off. I didn't even bother discussing the pay... Even though I strive for independence and financial stability, I don't want that at the cost of my mental health. I long for a job that values work-life balance."
"At first, I was filled with regret over my decision to decline their offer, but I think my future self will appreciate it more. I wholeheartedly respect the company's rules, but I must prioritize myself first," the user added.
A third user responds, "I concur, although we were taught to stay silent, say yes, and link burnout to achievement. Gen Z dares to shake things up, and I cannot help but cheer them on!"
One user ponders, "The newer generation is setting boundaries, but the older generation isn't ready for the change and the concept of work-life balance."
Mental Health
Gen Z
Burnout
Work-Life Balance
Emerging Trends
Gen Z's focus on work-life balance suggests a strong preference for flexible working hours and prioritizing mental health. Their approach challenges traditional work norms and encourages companies to adapt to their needs. As employers look to attract and retain Gen Z talent, they will increasingly have to reconsider their work policies, benefits, and wellness programs.
- Generation Change: The Gen Z emphasis on work-life balance reflects a generational shift towards prioritizing overall wellness and flexibility at work. This shift challenges conventional work models and motivates companies to accommodate younger workers' needs.
- Employer Adaptation: Companies are increasingly acknowledging the need to offer comprehensive benefits and more flexible work arrangements to attract and retain Gen Z employees. Failure to adapt may lead to companies losing out to competitors who cater better to these demands.
[1] S. A. (2021). The hybrid work revolution: How to prepare for a more distributed workforce. Forbes.[2] P. B. (2021, June 21). Remote work will make a comeback despite many managers' beliefs. Gallup.[3] A. D. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on work-from-home policies and mental health. Psychology Today.[4] L. B. (2021). The importance of mental health in the workplace. Society for Human Resource Management.
- The Talent Acquisition Specialist's post on LinkedIn, titled "Grit, Gen Z-style," has sparked a conversation about the Gen Z's focus on health-and-wellness, specifically mental health, and work-life balance.
- The young job seeker's decision to decline a position that demanded occasional Saturday work has challenged the traditional corporate stereotypes associated with Gen Z, showing that they prioritize mental health over burnout.
- This generational shift in priorities towards overall wellness and flexibility at the workplace, as seen in the approach of Gen Z, is a significant change that necessitates companies to adapt their work policies, benefits, and workplace-wellness programs.
- The emphasis on work-life balance among Gen Z will be a crucial factor for employers looking to attract and retain young talent, as failure to adapt may lead to losing out to competitors catering better to these demands.
- As employees strive for education-and-self-development and career-development, companiesshould start considering health, culture, and science as essential elements in creating a supportive and inclusive workplace environment for all generations.
