Gen Z intern demands include 5-hour workdays, startup culture, and above-average salary.
Gen Z intern demands include 5-hour workdays, startup culture, and above-average salary.
Gen Z Job Seeker Sparks Debate About Work-Life Balance
A recent tweet by Sameera Khan, a director of people success at InFeedo, an employee-experience platform, went viral after she shared her experience interviewing a Gen Z intern. The young job seeker expressed a desire for work-life balance, specifying that he preferred not to work more than 5 hours a day and wanted to avoid the corporate culture commonly found in multinational corporations (MNCs). Instead, he aimed to work in a start-up environment. In addition to these preferences, the job seeker also requested a stipend of 40,000 to 50,000 Indian rupees for his brief time on the job, which is significantly higher than the average monthly salary for his age group.
The post quickly gained attention, accumulating over 780,000 views and sparking a heated debate about Gen Z’s attitude towards work. Some critics dismissed the young intern’s demands as unrealistic, citing his lack of experience. They argued that in order to achieve success, one needs to put in long hours and gain senior positions within established companies. On the other hand, supporters praised Gen Z for prioritizing work-life balance and rejecting a culture of overwork.
Khan added her perspective to the discussion by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing learning, growth, good projects, and valuable connections during the early stages of one’s career. She believes that work-life balance will naturally be achieved over time. Lewis Maleh, the CEO of global executive recruitment agency Bentley Lewis, echoes this sentiment, stating that it is possible to have a successful career while taking care of oneself. Maleh advocates for an integrated approach to work-life balance rather than simply trying to work fewer hours.
It is important to note that the demands of this particular job seeker do not represent the attitudes of all Gen Z workers. There is a wide range of perspectives within this generation. Some Gen Z individuals are known for their strong work ethic, holding multiple jobs and following strict routines, while others prioritize self-care and criticize the toll that capitalism takes on mental health. Monica McCoy, CEO and founder of global consultancy Monica Motivates, highlights the danger of generalizing an entire generation based on the actions of a few individuals, urging people to avoid judgment and biases.
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Ultimately, the debate surrounding work-life balance and the expectations of Gen Z workers is indicative of the ongoing tensions and shifts in the modern workplace. A healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being, but it is also important to recognize the value of hard work and personal growth. Rather than focusing solely on the hours worked, it is crucial to consider the quality of the work and the individual’s ability to find fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives. As each generation challenges and evolves the one that came before, it is vital to foster understanding and tread carefully when making broad assumptions about a diverse and complex group like Gen Z.
