As Gen Z enters the workforce, they have developed a reputation for their defiant approach to employment.
Gone are the days when employees believed that if they work really hard and remain loyal to their company, they’ll be successful and work their way up the ranks.
Instead, the workforce’s youngest members have adopted an audacious attitude: do only what you’re paid to do—and keep one eye on the door.
Research has shown that Gen Z workers were reporting the highest rates of burnout, with financial instability among the factors leaving them feeling disenfranchised.
Though their approach to work might be shocking to an older generation, Gen Z’s attitude does not stem from laziness, they’re just reluctant to remain in a job where they’re underpaid and undervalued.
“Quiet quitting” and “Bare Minimum Mondays” have become popular terms in recent months, but these phrases are just two of many that have emerged from a disillusioned generation entering the workforce.
So, if you’re a millennial, Gen Xer, or baby boomer, what are the Gen Z phrases you need to know?
Quiet quitting
Quiet quitting is when you slowly and subtly reduce your effort and output. Instead of outright quitting, workers will quietly work less hard. This could be in the form of no longer going above and beyond at your job, but only completing the tasks assigned to you.
Career cushioning
Workers may be more interested in the concept of career cushioning than ever before, amid this economic uncertainty. This is when you have a backup plan in case you’re let go from your job – this could mean applying for jobs on the side (just in case) or making yourself available for potential opportunities.
Act your wage
Acting your wage means only performing the duties that you’re paid to do. Workers won’t stay late or take on any additional responsibilities – without the extra effort being reflected in their salary.
Rage applying
Rage applying is when people are fed up with their current job, so angrily apply for other jobs as a way out. The anger they feel about their current work situation fuels them to apply for other opportunities.
Grumpy staying
When rage applying doesn’t work out, workers who cannot quit their jobs resort to “grumpy staying”. They’ll stay in their current role and do what’s expected of them – but they won’t be happy about it.
Bare Minimum Monday
Bare Minimum Monday is a concept that sees workers take it easy at the start of the week. They’ll go about their usual tasks as normal but will not work especially hard — after all, they need time to ease into the work week ahead.
