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Generation Z are often perceived as entitled and demanding at the workplace. However, many entering the job market are responding to such labels with quiet determination to disprove them.
Some studies define the cohort more narrowly as people born between 1997 and 2012. Gen Z succeeds Gen Y which in turn comes after Gen X.The most common monikers for Gen Z are Zoomers, Digital Natives, iGeneration and Centennials. In conjunction with Labour Day, StarMetro engages with Digital Natives on how financial pressures and mental health concerns are reshaping their workplace expectations. For some, the first hurdle is not technical competence but communication across generations.
Muhammad Irfan Musa, 25, a technician, said misunderstandings with older colleagues were common but rarely intentional.
“We simply have varied ways of expressing our thoughts, which sometimes may be perceived differently by the older generation. “Different generations communicate distinctively and that gap can lead to misunderstandings at the workplace,” he said. Muhammad Irfan graduated from Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin in Dungun, Terengganu, in 2023 with a Diploma in Electrics and Electronics. Muhammad Irfan said his generation were facing a more difficult economic landscape than expected.
He said rising living costs and stagnant entry-level wages were taking a heavy toll on many young people.
“Degree holders expect at least RM2,500 a month for a starting salary, with diploma holders slightly below that,” he said. “However, many employers are offering diploma holders the same pay as SPM leavers, which is around RM1,700. The RM1,700 figure corresponds to Malaysia’s minimum wage policy introduced last Feb 1. On the trending topic of working from home, Muhammad Irfan said hybrid work should be expanded to non-technical roles.
“Productivity should be measured by output, not time spent at work,” he said. Freelance path While some Gen Z workers are finding their footing in traditional roles, others are choosing alternative paths altogether. William Gary Dominic, 23, turned to freelance photography after completing his Diploma in Photography Technology at Universiti Selangor – a move that has proven more demanding than expected.
“Three months in, I realised how much work is involved. “Besides setting up a website to promote my services, I also had to build my reputation from scratch. He has since enrolled in a Creative Videography and Photography degree programme, and is funding part of it himself. Balancing his studies with freelance work has not dampened William’s ambition.
“I am young and energetic. I am willing to work hard now as I may not be this fit later in life,” he said.
“We are often unfairly labelled as lacking commitment or focus, lazy and unwilling to step out of our comfort zones,” he said. “I know many people younger than me who are working just as hard to earn an income,” he said. William is also sceptical of the traditional 9am to 5pm work structure, particularly for those in creative fields.
“It is outdated, especially in the creative industry, where we need time and space to reflect, think and produce. “A rigid 9-to-5 schedule disrupts that creative process and reduces work to something that simply needs to be done. Work-life balance is a growing concern among young Malaysian workers. — FilepicFor some Gen Z workers, the shift into working life begins long before university.
Hailey Jayne Koh, 20, started working part-time at a dessert place in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, just months after completing SPM. Her motivation, she said, was financial independence.
“I do not like asking my parents for money for food and transport,” Koh said. Balancing work and study, however, is demanding.
“My parents know I work part-time. “They are supportive, but they remind me to manage my time properly,” said the younger of two siblings. At work, Koh said younger employees were often judged too quickly, not only by older colleagues but also customers.
“We need understanding and guidance, not judgement or criticism,” she said. Koh argued that long hours do not guarantee better outcomes, echoing growing calls by younger workers for more flexible work arrangements.
“Before applying, do some research about the company and look at reviews posted by former employees. “Starting your job search early helps as it may take time for applications to be reviewed. ”Raudhatul Husna Rifaaida, 25, left an administrative role to become a private English tutor. The eldest of four siblings from Kuala Lipis, Pahang, graduated with a degree in English for Professional Communication from Universiti Teknologi Mara Lendu, Melaka in 2022.
Raudhatul Husna preparing lesson plans before her tutoring session. Now based in Cyberjaya, Selangor, Raudhatul Husna structures her work day on her own terms.
“I usually work between 10am and 3pm on weekdays. I enjoy the freedom of setting up my own schedule,” she said. Working independently demanded consistency and self-discipline, she said. Raudhatul Husna also disputed the idea that Gen Z workers were overly demanding, citing greater focus on emotional well-being.
“I have seen people online accuse Gen Z of being weak-willed and quick to quit when things get hard,” she said. “Gen Z people are not lazy or demanding; we just want better treatment and improved welfare for workers,” she added.
Malaysia Workforce Communication Gap Financial Pressures Mental Health Workplace Culture Hybrid Working Financial Independence Flexible Arrangements WFH Job Market Graduation
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