Gen Z isn’t playing around when it comes to setting their own rules at work. The rising generation of young professionals — which currently accounts for 27% of the workforce — has made it quite clear that work-life balance is a priority, if not the single top priority, placing “unprecedented emphasis on mental wellbeing and a balanced approach to work,” according to Forbes. The newest in a slate of emerging work trends is the refusal of leadership roles.

What’s Gen Z been up to lately? Avoiding leadership. According to Business Insider, a growing number of Gen Z professionals are practicing “conscious unbossing,” a shift in workplace dynamics that effectively entails refusing promotions that would put them in leadership positions, and instead, holding onto a stable, middle-of-the-pack position that allows them to prioritize personal wellness. In fact, Gen Z is 1.7% more likely to avoid leadership positions than other generations, according to BI.

They might just be onto something. Middle managers are overwhelmed, often overworked, and most likely the first to be let go when [redacted] hits the fan. According to a survey cited by The Wall Street Journal, 40% of professionals polled admitted to a decline in mental well-being upon promotion to a leadership role.

For Gen Z, how to change the system is an on-going question. In conversation with BI, Kathryn Landis, a professional coach and New York University professor, noted that Gen Z professionals prioritise autonomy and transparency over the traditional path of climbing the corporate ladder. In Landis’ view, the unattractiveness of leadership positions for Gen Z does not mean a lack of initiative nor a refusal to work hard, but rather a shift in how existing workflows are perceived.

There’s no denying that Gen Z’s corporate spirit is one that is indomitable — quiet quitting — and revenge quitting — attests to it. Micro-retirement — extended breaks from the workforce that ideally allow young professionals to pursue hobbies, passions, and enjoy life away from the pressures of a modern work life while they’re still young — has also been surging in popularity. A loud refusal to abide by RTO policies… Well, you get the gist. For Gen Z, it’s their way or the Ring Road.

So, what does this mean for businesses? If Gen Z is shirking leadership positions, who’s going to be running the show? The fact remains that companies as they exist feed off the need for a leadership pipeline and some sort of hierarchy. What that will look like in the future, however, is up to businesses to figure out — and it seems that for some, change is already underway.

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