The workplace is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by Gen Z and Millennials who are rejecting outdated norms and demanding better. Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, is a vocal advocate for this change, emphasizing how younger generations are reshaping work culture with a focus on flexibility, purpose, and mental health.
Saying No to Hustle Culture
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z and Millennials are pushing back against the grind. They’re not here for 80-hour workweeks or toxic “rise-and-grind” mantras. Instead, they prioritize work-life balance, valuing personal time and mental well-being over relentless productivity. Litman points out that these generations are more likely to set boundaries—whether it’s logging off after hours or refusing to sacrifice health for a paycheck.
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z and Millennials are pushing back against the grind. They’re not here for 80-hour workweeks or toxic “rise-and-grind” mantras. Instead, they prioritize work-life balance, valuing personal time and mental well-being over relentless productivity. Litman points out that these generations are more likely to set boundaries—whether it’s logging off after hours or refusing to sacrifice health for a paycheck.
Flexibility as a Non-Negotiable
Remote work, hybrid schedules, and flexible hours aren’t just perks; they’re expectations. The pandemic proved that rigid 9-to-5 office setups aren’t always necessary, and younger workers are holding employers to that realization. Companies that cling to outdated models risk losing talent to those offering autonomy and trust.
Remote work, hybrid schedules, and flexible hours aren’t just perks; they’re expectations. The pandemic proved that rigid 9-to-5 office setups aren’t always necessary, and younger workers are holding employers to that realization. Companies that cling to outdated models risk losing talent to those offering autonomy and trust.
Purpose Over Paychecks
Gen Z and Millennials want more than a salary—they want meaning. They’re drawn to organizations that align with their values, whether it’s sustainability, social justice, or community impact. Litman, whose organization recruits young progressives to run for office, sees this firsthand: Young workers want jobs that feel like they’re making a difference, not just climbing a corporate ladder.
Gen Z and Millennials want more than a salary—they want meaning. They’re drawn to organizations that align with their values, whether it’s sustainability, social justice, or community impact. Litman, whose organization recruits young progressives to run for office, sees this firsthand: Young workers want jobs that feel like they’re making a difference, not just climbing a corporate ladder.
Mental Health Matters
These generations are also normalizing mental health conversations at work. They’re unafraid to ask for time off to recharge or to call out toxic environments. This openness is forcing employers to rethink outdated stigmas and offer real support, like mental health resources or wellness programs.
These generations are also normalizing mental health conversations at work. They’re unafraid to ask for time off to recharge or to call out toxic environments. This openness is forcing employers to rethink outdated stigmas and offer real support, like mental health resources or wellness programs.
The Pushback and the Future
Of course, not everyone’s on board. Some older leaders criticize younger workers as “entitled” or “lazy.” But Litman argues this misses the point: Gen Z and Millennials aren’t asking for handouts—they’re demanding fairness. They’ve seen burnout, economic instability, and workplace exploitation up close, and they’re done tolerating it.
Of course, not everyone’s on board. Some older leaders criticize younger workers as “entitled” or “lazy.” But Litman argues this misses the point: Gen Z and Millennials aren’t asking for handouts—they’re demanding fairness. They’ve seen burnout, economic instability, and workplace exploitation up close, and they’re done tolerating it.
The result? Companies are adapting. From unlimited PTO to transparent pay structures, workplaces are evolving to meet these demands. Those that don’t risk becoming relics. As Litman puts it, this isn’t just a trend—it’s a revolution. Gen Z and Millennials are rewriting the rules of work, and the future looks brighter for it.