Gen Z is quickly becoming one of the most influential voices in the workplace and they’re not staying quiet.
In fact, research shows that Gen Z employees are highly values-driven. Nearly 9 in 10 say purpose is critical to their job satisfaction and they increasingly expect to be heard on issues like ethics, inclusion, and leadership decisions. Even more telling, Gen Z employees expect their voices to be heard and taken seriously, and they’re looking for leaders who actively listen and create space for their input.
So, what’s behind this shift? Why is Gen Z more willing, sometimes even eager, to speak up compared to previous generations?
Let’s take a closer look.
1. They Grew Up Using Their Voice
First and foremost, Gen Z has been encouraged to speak up from a young age. Think about it – they’ve been using their voice on social media, their schools offered learning around anti-bullying and other topics older generations didn’t discuss, and they’ve grown up watching global movements.
They don’t know any difference. Speaking up is just a normal part of their lives. It just is.
As a result, silence isn’t a default. They’re used to sharing opinions, asking questions, and challenging ideas in real time thanks to technology. And when they enter the workplace they bring that same expectation with them.
2. They’ve Seen the Cost of Staying Silent
Gen Z has grown up watching the consequences of silence play out publicly across industries, institutions, and leadership structures.
From workplace scandals to social justice movements, they’ve seen what happens when issues go unaddressed. We all watched the news in horror as we learned that Harvey Weinstein had gotten away with sexual assault for years due to silence. They (and we) have also seen viral stories on platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn, where thousands of workers share experiences of burnout, toxic management, or unfair treatment and the overwhelming response those posts receive.
In many cases, those stories have led companies to publicly respond, investigate, or even change policies.
Moments like these reinforce a powerful message: staying silent doesn’t fix the problem but speaking up can.
3. They See Work as an Extension of Their Values
Thanks to technology, Gen Z has witnessed their parents extend their work into the home. These days, watching TV together no doubt includes some emailing or quick calls with the boss or a client. In line at Starbucks on a Saturday morning before swim practice likely includes some quick texts to a co-worker. Hybrid and remote work models mean a few more hours in the home office after picking the kids up from school. Or, as I’ve personally observed and done myself, some work even gets done on the bleachers during soccer practice.
Previous generations didn’t have that window into their parents’ worklife. Work and life were more intentionally separated. Now, having observed parents whose work and home life greatly intertwine, they don’t buy into having a work life persona that varies from a home life persona.
When something at work conflicts with personal values, speaking up is the way to align the work environment with their personal life. Issues like fairness, inclusion, mental health, and ethics can’t be an employer’s “nice to have.” They’re non-negotiable.
The Real Opportunity for Leaders
Gen Z’s willingness to speak up isn’t a problem to manage. It’s a signal to pay attention.
When employees raise concerns, share ideas, or challenge the status quo, they’re giving leaders valuable insight into what’s working and what’s not.
The key is in how leaders respond. If leaders listen, stay open, and take action, they build trust and strengthen culture. On the other hand, if leaders dismiss or ignore these voices because, “You just don’t have the experience I do and you have no idea what I went through to get here,” leaders risk losing engagement and talent.
Join our Webinar
If this topic resonates, you’re not alone. We’ve been hearing more and more questions from leaders about how to effectively support and engage Gen Z in the workplace. That’s exactly why we’re hosting a free webinar: “The Gen Z Effect on Leadership and Workplace Culture” on May 27th, 10am PT.
During this session, we’ll break down what’s changing, what it means for leaders, and how to create a culture where Gen Z and every generation can thrive.
As an added bonus, attendees will earn 1 SHRM/HRCI PDC. Plus, a few lucky participants will win our Upstander Training Toolkit, a powerful resource designed to help employees speak up in the moments that matter. (Our clients invest thousands of dollars to bring this training in-house.)
Even if you don’t win, the toolkit is available for purchase at $249. And yes, we’ll also be giving away copies of Navigating a Toxic Workplace For Dummies to select attendees.
