There is hardly a generation that has drawn as much attention in recent years as Generation Z. However, this attention is not always positive: from memes to snide remarks, this generation is often ridiculed for its perceived fragility or apparent inability to cope with challenges. But why is this generation seen as particularly stressed? And what role does parenting play in this perception?
Pressure from All Sides
Generation Z has grown up with social media, constantly exposed to the pressure of comparison. Likes, follower counts, and perfectly curated Instagram feeds create an unrealistic image of what life should look like. On top of this, crises such as climate change, the pandemic, and political instability are ever-present topics that not only accompany this generation but often directly affect them. No wonder so many young people seem overwhelmed—they have grown up in a world that is faster, more complex, and more digital than ever before.
Overprotected and Under Pressure?
A potential factor influencing the challenges Generation Z faces in the workplace could lie in changing parenting methods. Many parents of this generation have tried to spare their children from as many obstacles as possible to give them the best possible start. This care has, in some cases, led to young people having less opportunity to deal with setbacks or make difficult decisions on their own. At the same time, they benefited from a stronger focus on personal development and a supportive environment. While some young professionals may initially seem unsure, they often bring strong teamwork skills and a high level of adaptability.
Parenting Then and Now
When comparing the parenting styles of previous generations, clear differences emerge. While Baby Boomers and Generation X were expected to act independently and take responsibility at an early age, many young people of Generation Z grew up with more structure and closer guidance. This difference is particularly evident in the workplace: while older generations were often accustomed to a “learning by doing” approach, young professionals today value clear structures, regular feedback, and a respectful corporate culture. These changed expectations are not only the result of a different parenting style but also reflect a changing society, in which new demands and challenges are impacting young people.
What Impact Does This Have?
This shift in parenting and in the job market has left its mark. Many young people in Generation Z are achievement-oriented but also anxious about making mistakes. They feel responsible for their own future while simultaneously feeling powerless in the face of large societal issues. The constant accessibility through social media and the pressure to be perfect in all areas only intensify this feeling.
A Shift in Perspective Is Needed
Instead of ridiculing Generation Z for its challenges, society should consider how to support them. There needs to be more understanding of the pressures they face and a rethinking of parenting approaches: children must learn that making mistakes is okay. They need space to grow independently and experiment without someone always watching over them.
Have you ever considered what you could learn from Generation Z? How do they adapt so quickly to new technologies like AI, and how do they implement ideas with speed and pragmatism?
At the end of the day, every generation is a product of its time—and the challenges that have shaped it.