New data proves Millennials and Gen Z are more laid back at work than their older counterparts

Millennials and Gen Z can no longer say they’re the hardworking generation, with new data proving they’re lazier than their senior counterparts.

The debate over which generation has the strongest work ethic is finally over with new data revealing Millennials and Generation Z are lazier when it comes to their jobs than their Gen X and Boomer counterparts.

Blended working habits and a lower than usual unemployment rate has contributed to younger employees adopting a more laid back approach to their job, a survey by Immigration to Australia found.

An independent panel of 1002 Australians were asked to evaluate their post-pandemic work habits, in a bid to understand how their attitudes have changed since returning to the office post pandemic lockdowns.

One third of respondents aged between 18 and 30 admitted they’ve adopted a more relaxed perspective towards their jobs due to the unemployment rate dipping, with 77 per cent having no intentions of reverting back to their pre-Covid ways any time soon.

Meanwhile, younger Australians are also more likely to take an hour off “here and there” when working from home, with 14 per cent of those aged under 34 years of age admitting to the habit.

A new survey shows younger generations are less hardworking then their older counterparts. Picture: iStock

The prospect of 195,000 immigrants coming to Australia each year, also didn’t deter respondents who felt their work ethic was good and wouldn’t see them replaced by migrants.

“It is interesting to see the number of young Australians unconcerned about the job competition, particularly when faced with the challenges of rising living costs,” Alon Rajic, Founder and Managing Director of Immigration to Australia said.

“However, to enhance productivity, invigorate Australian businesses, and foster healthy competition, it is essential for everyone to strive towards pre-pandemic production levels.

“This becomes increasingly important as competition for roles is increasing in line with increased migrant worker numbers.”

Survey results show older generations are more dedicated to their job than their younger counterparts. Picture: Immigration to Australia

The younger generation’s easygoing approach hasn’t deterred Gen X and Boomer employees from maintaining their unwavering dedication to their roles, with almost nine in 10 older-generation employees motivated to work with strong work ethics.

Those aged above 55 also said they were less demanding of their work entitlements compared to the younger generations, and were more likely to engage with their colleagues.

Boomers have their birthdays between 1955 and 1964, whereas those born in the Gen X era have birth years between 1965 and 1980. This is followed by Millennials with birthdays between 1981 and 1996 and Gen Z being 1997 to 2012.

Boomers and Gen X workers tend to take more pride in their work than Gen Z and Millennials. Picture: iStock

Why Millennials and Gen Z are so laid-back

A dwindling unemployment rate is one reason young workers don’t see it necessary to go above and beyond for their workplace, the survey suggested.

The unemployment rate sits at 3.6 per cent for May, a one per cent decrease from April, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, suggesting there are more jobs available than skilled workers who are able to fill them.

Because of this, younger generations are aware there are plenty of opportunities to move around, particularly in hospitality and trade roles where demand for workers is high.

Meanwhile, more dedicated and cash-strapped workers are using the influx in job positions to secure a second or even third job as they battle the rising cost of living.

A second reason younger generations have adopted a more casual approach to their jobs is to avoid burnout.

New modelling by researchers at Macquarie University’s Business School have suggested the pension age should increase to 70 by 2050 due to low birth rates and an ageing population.

A pension age increase like this will see younger Australians working for much longer than their Boomer counterparts.

Mr Rajic said the best way to establish a positive working environment is to understand how each generation prefers to work. Picture: iStock

Overall, Mr Rajic said there’s been a shift in motivations and priorities across the different generations.

“Older generations have traditionally been driven by a strong focus on career advancement, striving to get ahead of the game,” he said.

“Having experienced several recessions, (they) value success in their work lives, including career progression and job stability.”

Meanwhile he added Gen Z and Millennials were more work-life balance focused, and are “motivated to succeed in multiple areas of their lives”.

“It is important for organisations to recognise and accommodate their expectations by establishing an environment that supports personal growth alongside work-life balance,” Mr Rajic said.

“It is only once businesses understand these motivations that they can better engage and retain talent across generations.”