Gen Z is now the group that’ll be implementing changes in the workforce for years to come. You may not have seen any big shifts yet, but there are definite work trends popping up that Gen Z is behind. Despite being the youngest and least-experienced group of people in the workforce, they have plenty of great ideas that we can all implement in our own work lives.

1 – Your job should align with your morals

Gen Z generally has high expectations for the companies they work for. They’re likely to value diversity and equality, for instance, and will stay far away from a company that doesn’t uphold these values. There will definitely be cases where a company claims certain values and does the opposite, but Gen Z workers are less likely to put up with a lack of transparency, too.

It’s easier said than done, because not everybody can afford to pick companies they’d like to work for based on shared values, but it’s worth a shot if possible. There’s no harm in looking into a company’s values – if anything, it makes you even more prepared to work there. The more job seekers are searching for companies with good morals, the more openness we’ll see about which companies actually care and which don’t.

2 – Don’t be afraid to go your own way

Economic security is less important to Gen Z than following their passions. Even if they need to hold down a job they aren’t fond of while they work on pursuing their dreams, they’ll do it. This may mean attempting to make their own way as a creative, freelancing instead of having a steady job, or starting a business from the comfort of their own home – whatever it is, if the idea’s there, they’re trying their best.

Gen Z says it’s always worth pursuing the passion that’s stuck with you, even if it doesn’t seem lucrative or if you’re worried it might fail – they’re committed to finding a way, even if it means paving your own path to get there.

3 – Negotiate accommodations if you need them

If there are accommodations that would make your work life easier, Gen Z says they’re worth fighting for. For example, if you’ve found that working at home is more productive for you, it’s beneficial to suggest to your boss the possibility of at least spending some days remotely. Other accommodations might be requesting mental health days or time off for wellness. Be confident in the face of your employer and unafraid to try and negotiate things that would make the job easier for you. After all, they can’t function without an employee in your place!

4 – Don’t be afraid to walk away  

Gen Z being unafraid to quit their jobs at a moment’s notice has become somewhat of a meme, but it’s also something that should be admired. The reason for this tendency is that they value their health more than work. If you’re being mistreated at your job, if the company culture is toxic, or anything else raises a red flag for you, you shouldn’t ever be afraid to quit. You shouldn’t be ashamed of trying to escape toxicity or a bad fit at work, even if it seems impulsive.

This isn’t to say that you should quit your job the moment something doesn’t go your way, but if you’ve tried talking to your manager or co-workers about your concerns and you still feel the need to get out, then go. As Gen Z knows, mental health matters most – you’re doing the right thing for yourself by quitting. Once again, this isn’t something that everybody can afford to do, so you may want to have another job lined up before you jump ship rather than make a snap decision.

The biggest takeaway from Gen Z’s work habits is that you should always strive to make sure you find a job that suits your needs as much as possible – even if you have to create that job yourself. Never settle for being treated poorly, and if you’re in a great place with improvements to be made, negotiate them. In short, be confident, assertive and watch your ideal job come to you!

Need some guidance on your career journey? Ask Style Nine to Five founder, Christie Lohr, One Career Question!

Emily Morrison is a media professional with passions for writing, film and popular culture.

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