Gen Z’s Identity as a Pragmatic Generation Is Key to Building a Workforce

Is Gen Z the most pragmatic of generations? The young workers are rational in their approach and firm in their stance, and while this rubs many the wrong way, they’re determined to redefine success on their own terms.

Gen Z is the generation of contradictions, and while they are regularly accused of being ill-equipped for the workplace, they have also proven to be realistic in their approach on many fronts. Gen Z, as the “most pragmatic generation” of individuals, is an assessment that not everyone will agree with, but data suggests this is true. With the many changes to the modern world, traditional milestones have been placed further out of reach for many of this cohort. While they’ve been pushed to achieve them regardless of the challenges posed, Gen Z is setting its own milestones and redefining what success means to them.

A new large-scale study from EY recently found that Gen Z is “far from being financially reckless,” like we’ve been made to believe. Gen Z is not unfamiliar with the perks of financial stability and is still determined to make money to finance their futures. Still, the generation isn’t looking at wealth as the sole marker of success. Health, both mental and physical, has always been a priority for these young ones, and that continues to be a part of their ultimate goal. Pair that with the desire for individual expression and healthy connections, and you might start to see what the generation is working towards.

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Gen Z, the Pragmatic Generation, Is Redefining What Wealth and Success Mean to Them

EY, a leading consulting firm, recently conducted an expansive study that spoke to 10,000 18- to 34-year-olds across 10 countries to understand this rising generation better. The study found that financial independence (87%), staying true to oneself (84%), and being in a relationship (60%) were the primary milestones that were driving this section of the population. For 51% of the respondents, mental and physical health stood as the key metric of success, with 45% claiming family relationships were the priority, outranking wealth, which stood at 42%.

While Gen Z has long been criticized for being materialistic and prioritizing their Starbucks and Labubus over savings, these trend-chasing habits often extend from their predecessors as well. Largely, it appears that Gen Z is prioritizing health and wealth relationships in a more intrinsic way than generations of the past.

Gen Z Desires Financial Stability Just like Their Predecessors

Gen Z’s pragmatic mindset has largely been shaped by their more globalized life experiences, and the desire to achieve more on this front cannot be ignored. This doesn’t mean they are ignoring traditional goals entirely, but they have a different approach to their priority. Around 87% of them are adamant that financial independence is highly important to them, but only 63% of them have a strong desire to get rich. 

Achieving these goals is a point of concern however. Moving out, living independently, and building their own lives is not something that the population dislikes, but circumstances make it easier to stay at home with their parents. While 86% of the respondents see themselves as adults, around 60% still live with their parents and caregivers. Buying a home is not as achievable as a milestone in the 21st century, and many are learning to make peace with it for now.

This suggests that while you might be able to retain Gen Z workers solely on the basis of monetary benefits, there are other benefits that can keep them connected with organizational growth as well. 

Technologically Advanced In their Own Way, Gen Z is Ready to Learn with Caution

Millennials might have known a time before the internet, but Gen Z has always been fully immersed in the world of tech. They often display an expertise with tech that helps them pick up new iterations with greater ease than their parents and grandparents. While this ensures they are primed to embrace technology with open arms, they are also cautious about the repercussions of wanton use of tech.

Yes, they spend a lot of time on social media, but 44% of them would prefer to cut their screen time, and 33% acknowledge that their excessive use of social media makes them anxious and depressed. This self-awareness is a good sign that they are willing to look at a problem and understand its implications. 

Around 45% of the EY respondents are excited to try new technology, and with the AI trends flooding the workplace, this is a positive sign for employers. While the enthusiasm for such technology differs across regions, we have previously seen evidence that Gen Z is willing to understand and try new technology when given the chance. 

Gen Z, as the pragmatic generation, makes sense when you stop to consider their approach is a healthy one, not brought out of reluctance or laziness, but one of understanding where matters stand right now.

What Employers Need to Understand About Gen Z’s Pragmatic Mindset

Gen Z’s contradictions have stumped many employers, and a large number of them have vowed not to hire from this section of the workforce due to the lack of common ground between them. From their blank stares to their unwillingness to conform to outdated workplace norms, Gen Z workers have created an image of being unmalleable, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 

Most of this new generation is willing to work, learn, and grow towards their goals, but they are unwilling to compromise on their lives outside of their work solely for money. This is why campaigns like Olipop’s push to encourage workers to use their PTO days appeal to young workers, as they establish a culture that views employees as individuals. Many in the Gen Z population are also willing to return to a hybrid model rather than work from home full time, as they are eager to build connections, so the population is certainly willing to step outside their comfort zones if given the right motivation. 

Gen Z’s work-life perspective has always been one of balance, and employers and HR teams that understand that can easily find middle ground with them. It’s obvious that Gen Z has an advantage when it comes to adapting to new technology, and they can be a boon to any workplace if provided with the right training for the AI-powered work shift we’re witnessing in 2025. Gen Z’s pragmatic mindset can be very useful in reshaping the workplace in a way that is equipped to handle the new systems of work, but collaboration has to lead the way.

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