Nobel Prize winners Stigler and Becker have noted that people adapt their behavior to changing conditions, and changes in behavior should not be hastily interpreted as changes in preferences. It is unfair to label Generation Z as lazy or different from previous generations, as people adapt their behavior to the general conditions of the labor market.
In recent years, working hours in Switzerland have decreased, and the number of absences due to illness and accidents has increased. Wages have also grown, which can lead to people working less as they can afford to do so. However, work commitment is crucial for the prosperity of society, and addressing the framework conditions is important to increase work incentives.
Socrates had previously expressed concerns about the laziness of young people, but it is not the generation itself that determines willingness to work but rather general labor market conditions. The measures taken are more effective at addressing these concerns than simply pointing fingers. Criticism against Generation Z for being demanding and unsatisfied in the workplace may not be justified, as research shows that satisfaction increases with age regardless of the generation.
It is essential to focus on improving work incentives rather than blaming a particular generation. The shortage of skilled workers poses a challenge for demographic change times. It is vital to work together across generations and make work rewarding and enjoyable by improving work incentives without engaging in generational bashing.
In conclusion, it’s important not to jump to conclusions when criticizing younger generations for being lazy or different from previous ones. Instead, we need to address the underlying causes of any issues related to job motivation and productivity by focusing on improving work incentives rather than making sweeping judgments about entire generations.
