Is hustle culture really dead? Well, I certainly remember when it was alive and well. In fact, as a Millennial who entered the business world in the early 2000s, I can’t think of one conference that didn’t have a productivity guru.
Gary Vaynerchuk, Adam Neumann, and Elon Musk were among the top leaders of this cultural phenomenon. They’d headline events all over the world, riveting the crowd with their hashtag snippets and efficiency expertise. And we would jot down every note and then try to implement their words of wisdom into our weekly schedule.
Well, let’s just say that living out their 5-star tips for achieving success with only 3 hours of sleep was easier said than done. We all failed. Because, let’s be honest, hustle culture sets you up to fail. There’s no way that humans can live like robots.
Millennials became the icon of hustle culture in their 20s. Perhaps that’s why, in 2025, we’re the generation facing the highest levels of burnout. In fact, according to a recent Aflac report, Nearly two-thirds (66%) of all Millennials say they are facing moderate or high burnout — far more than Baby Boomers (39%).
So, what does this all mean for Gen Z? Is hustle culture making a comeback anytime soon? Well, much like skinny jeans and side parts, I think they’d prefer to leave it in the past. Here are the three things Gen Z wants instead of hustle culture.
Gen Z Wants Job Security And Stability
According to the Work in America survey by the American Psychological Association, job insecurity is one of the biggest concerns for the majority of U.S. workers (54%) in terms of stress levels. Interestingly, they found that employees (44 and under) were the most likely to report job insecurity as a high stressor. And that’s not surprising, especially when you look at the economy right now and the lack of entry-level jobs for young people.
Gen Z, compared to their Millennial counterparts, aren’t looking to make the top ten list of multimillionaires before their 25th birthday. Many of them want to simply attain the basics. But, according to McKinsey & Company, even that seems out of reach. For instance, when surveyed, almost a quarter of Gen Z respondents did not believe they would be able to retire, and only 41% expected to have enough funds to own a home one day. Perhaps this is why salary, second to job security, is one of the most critical aspects to Gen Z when it comes to what they value in a job.
Gen Z Wants A Competitive Salary With Benefits
Gen Z still values flexibility. Don’t get me wrong. This generation values a hybrid schedule, a four-day workweek, and all the benefits that come with working remotely. However, they also don’t want to have to live with six roommates in a two-bedroom apartment, hoping that ramen will last them through the week.
Gen Z wants more than their Millennial siblings, and they’re not afraid to ask for it, especially when it comes to increasing their salary. In fact, according to the Global Payroll Association, 20% (one in five) say their salary should exceed $100,000.
The Salary Negotiation and Expectations survey from Resume Genius also revealed that this generation, when surveyed, expected a 10% annual raise, even without a promotion. And 55% were willing to negotiate their salary compared to 48% of Millennials.
So, is money the only thing that Gen Z cares about? Are they only after security and salary? Not at all. This generation is highly altruistic, giving, and innovative. They want to help you create dynamic companies. But that doesn’t mean that they’re immune to reality.
Gen Z wants to be able to put food on the table and ideas before the boardroom without worrying about their light being shut off. They’re more than willing to go the extra mile, but unlike Millennials, they’ll ask the company to cover the cost of their time.
Gen Z Wants To Have A Life Instead Of Hustle Culture
Gen Z isn’t looking to burn the candle at both ends to get the corner office. They want to feel refreshed when they come to work on Monday. A considerable part of that is being able to have a separate life outside of their 9-to-5 work week. So, what does that look like? Here are two things that matter most to Gen Z when it comes to living a balanced life:
1) Flexible Work Hours
Gen Z understands the importance of being present and showing up. But, what they don’t understand is filling their schedule with meetings, in-person luncheons, and never-ending check-ins.
This generation values your input and your mentorship, but they also value your time. That’s why many of them prefer flexible work hours that allow them to concentrate on producing excellent work vs. just showing up for the sake of tradition.
2) Mental Health Support
Mental health is an absolute priority for this generation. In fact, a recent article in Harvard Business Review highlighted this very fact. The writer even went so far as to suggest that workplace mental health is one of the most fundamental things that organizations should consider when creating a healthy workplace culture.
And There You Have It!
Hustle culture is no longer the popular choice among Gen Z. However, that may not necessarily be a negative. In my opinion, it’s a positive move forward. Perhaps this generation will give us all permission to step away from the chaotic hustle and focus more on our health.