New survey reveals Gen-Z’s ‘frivolous’ work expectations

They’re Gen-ZZZ.

Nearly one in six Americans under the age of 28 won’t even consider taking a job unless there’s a designated snooze space at the office, a mind-boggling new survey found. 

“It’s clear Gen-Z isn’t shy about voicing what they want from today’s workplace, and for many, it goes beyond salary and health insurance,” said Amanda Augustine, a certified professional career coach and resident expert for the resume-building website Resume.io, which polled 1,000 professionals across the country about their must-have perks while evaluating job opportunities.

For them, napping on the clock, and other demands “aren’t just nice-to-have extras; they reflect a shifting view around work-life balance and overall well-being,” Augustine added.

One in five Gen-Zers — more than any other generation — say a “fun room,” complete with games like ping pong and other recreational activities, is essential to their work environment, the startling survey results reveal.

And one in five wouldn’t even consider a position if the company’s offices are not pet-friendly, compared to 14% of millennials, aged 29 to 44; 8% of 40- to 65-year-old Gen-Xers and only 4% of Boomers, aged 61 to 79. 

More Gen-Zers — 33% — expect free snacks and lunches at the workplace, more than any of their older coworkers, the poll found.

And even if an office is up to snuff, they don’t want to show up.

A whopping one in three said a four-day workweek is non-negotiable, and one in four expect “extended” sabbatical leaves “for personal development or travel.”  

Younger generations are “pushing back against the old model of constant hustle and burnout” by valuing flexibility and “a more enjoyable day-to-day experience,” according to Augustine.

“Companies that dismiss these priorities as frivolous may find it increasingly difficult to attract and retain top talent from this up-and-coming generation of workers,” she warned.