Remote work may limit Gen Z’s career growth, says expert
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — New York University professor Suzy Welch cautions that Generation Z’s embrace of remote work could limit their career growth, making it harder to reach the C-suite.
In an interview with Insider, Welch highlighted the trade-offs of sidestepping traditional office culture that values in-person collaboration.
“The young people who choose to have that life that go into work maybe one or two days a week or never, and work entirely remotely, they may have a version of success that is not our version of success,” Welch said.
“It’s all about how you define success. They’re probably not going to become CEOs, but maybe that’s not what they want.”
While Gen Z may define success differently, becoming a CEO still requires conventional presence. “I’ve seen the magic that happens when people are actually together,” she said.
Viral TikTok trends like “lazy-girl jobs” promoting low-effort roles reflect shifting attitudes. However, Welch cautions the financial implications of choosing laid-back approaches over diligent work ethics.
Addressing Gen Z’s anxiety avoidance, Welched urged facing everyday stresses as adult life.
“That’s actually the work of your life is kind of figuring out who you are and what journey you want to be on, and it might create uncomfortable feelings, and it might create sleepless nights, but that’s okay. That is part of being in the world,” she asserted.
This view reflects NYU colleague Scott Galloway’s emphasis on the developmental importance of office work.
Meanwhile, Deloitte’s 2023 survey shows a near-even split among Gen Z and millennials valuing work-life balance yet still seeking career growth.
Gen Z, according to real estate firm Colliers, is redefining the professional landscape with their unique outlooks on work and work culture.
