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A recent report by Pipedrive, a customer relationship management software company, revealed that while older workers aged 51 to 65 are working more overtime (82%), younger workers aged 18 to 35 are sticking to regular business hours (41%). However, those who work overtime were less likely to meet their sales goals.
Why It Matters
Gen Z, comprising ages 13 to 28, has often been criticized for being the worst generation to work with. According to a Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll for Newsweek, 40% of respondents identified Gen Z as the most challenging generation to collaborate with, including members of Gen Z themselves.
Despite their reputation for prioritizing work-life balance, younger workers are outperforming older counterparts in productivity metrics. In Pipedrive’s survey of over 1,000 sales workers from 82 countries, younger employees routinely exceeded expectations despite working fewer hours.
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What To Know
The difference in working times can be seen as a shift in work ethic by some and as a gap in knowledge of how to better use software in the workplace by others. According to Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, younger workers are more likely to quickly adopt AI and other modern tech features that save time and boost efficiency.
Career and hiring experts note that while older workers have traditionally been conditioned to believe long hours indicate dedication and loyalty, this may not actually lead to higher productivity. Bryan Driscoll, an HR consultant, told Newsweek that “more hours doesn’t equal more output.” Younger workers value efficiency, technology-driven solutions, and boundaries. They understand overwork can harm performance, so they protect their time and energy, leading to better results.
The Pipedrive survey highlights Gen Z’s continuing focus on work-life balance. Another Randstad survey found that 76% of Gen Z prioritize work-life balance over pay.
What People Are Saying
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, stated that younger people outperform their older counterparts because they are more adaptable to changing environments and technology. They achieve tasks more quickly and efficiently using tech like AI and phone efficiency.
Alex Beene explained that while younger employees balance work with family responsibilities, those over 50 are in later life stages, focusing on productivity and income before retirement.
Drew Powers, founder of Illinois-based Powers Financial Group, noted that younger generations have an advantage when it comes to adopting new technology and physical stamina. However, he emphasized the value of experience and wisdom from older generations.
What Happens Next
Moving forward, HR consultant Bryan Driscoll suggests employers will need to rethink productivity metrics beyond mere work hours. He stated, “The 40-plus-hour grind is obsolete. Butt-in-seat hours tracking is obsolete. Watching your employees work is inefficient.” The workforce of tomorrow proves that performance isn’t about the number of hours worked.
