SINGAPORE: The workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the values and expectations of the Gen Z generation, those born between 1997 and 2009.
This generation is entering the job market, reshaping it with their “work to live” philosophy, prioritising work-life balance and mental well-being over traditional career ambitions.
Importance of work-life balance
A TVBS report cited that 90% of Z-generation workers prioritize work-life balance, viewing it as essential to their happiness and productivity.
This emphasis on balance is a stark contrast to previous generations, who often prioritized career advancement and financial success over personal life.
Gen Z has observed the struggles and sacrifices of older generations, leading them to adopt a more balanced approach to work.
A Business Insider article highlighted that they are wary of the long hours and stress that often accompany traditional career paths but are determined to avoid these pitfalls.
Evolution of work
The “work to live” philosophy is not just a trend but a profound evolution in how work is defined in modern life. Gen Z is redefining what it means to be successful in a career, emphasizing personal fulfilment and well-being over professional accolades.
An article published by Forbes pointed out that Gen Z workers favour adaptable working conditions, including flexible hours and remote work options.
This preference is driven by a desire for autonomy and the ability to manage their time effectively, which they believe enhances productivity and job satisfaction.
A Robert Walters report published by iThome stressed that technology played a crucial role in enabling the “work to live” philosophy. With the advent of digital tools and remote work capabilities, Gen Z can maintain productivity while also enjoying personal time and pursuing hobbies.
Challenge for employers
As Gen Z enters the workforce, employers face the challenge of adapting to these new expectations.
Traditional office spaces and operational policies may no longer resonate with this generation, requiring companies to reevaluate their work environments and policies, according to a Work Design Magazine article explaining how Gen Zs are redefining the future of work.
As underscored in an article published by Newsweek, the “work to live” philosophy is not just a shift in individual attitudes but a movement that is likely to reshape the future of work.
As Gen Z continues to grow in influence, the traditional 9-to-5 workday and the relentless pursuit of career advancement may become less prevalent, making way for a more balanced and flexible approach to employment.
Singaporean Gen Zs
A Reddit user said that as a member of an older generation, he never questioned the traditional “9 to 5” work model from the start of his career until retirement. It was the norm for him, and he accepted it without much thought.
However, he noticed that “a different perspective among some of my younger colleagues.
They seem incredulous that we would willingly commit to this routine daily for our entire working lives. They look at us as if we’re crazy for not having rebelled or challenged the system.”
“I’m left wondering if Gen Z is the one with unrealistic dreams, or it’s us millennials who have been asleep at the wheel, failing to wake up and speak out against a system that might need reevaluation.”
Another Reddit user tried to justify Gen Z’s preoccupation with work-life balance and prioritizing life outside of work:
“I believe one of the key differences between Gen Z and Millennials today compared to the Baby Boomers is the complexity of modern life.
The cost of living has skyrocketed. A quick Google search reveals that raising a child in Singapore up to 18 years old can easily cost $4-5 million, assuming you can afford family vacations, domestic help, and extracurricular activities.
This starkly contrasts with the 1970s, when less-educated Boomers could afford larger families and cheaper housing, prompting the government to implement a two-child policy.
Gen Z is acutely aware that even with an average fresh graduate salary of about $3,500, the prospect of spending the next 20-40 years paying off housing debts (for small, privacy-lacking homes) and trying to give their future children a good life is daunting.
Moreover, not every school in Singapore is considered good, and the necessity of technological devices for education (smartphones, laptops, etc.) adds to the financial burden, especially since these devices are designed to last only a couple of years.
I struggle to understand how Millennial parents manage today. Working a typical 9-6 job from Monday to Friday leaves little time for meaningful interactions with their children, let alone rest after work.
Weekends often become a blur of chores and cleaning, leaving little room for relaxation.
What does a relationship mean if there’s no time to spend together daily? When do people get to rest? And with so much planning required for trips or time away from work and kids, how does one find time for personal hobbies, career advancement classes, and other pursuits?
It seems almost impossible.”
Gen Z’s “work to live” philosophy
Gen Z’s “work to live” philosophy is not just a change in how the younger generation views work; it is a revolution likely to transform the entire workforce.
By prioritizing work-life balance and mental well-being, Gen Z is setting a new standard for what it means to be successful in a career, and this shift is likely to have lasting impacts on the future of work.