Do Gen Z workers deserve to be called entitled?
A social media firestorm erupted after a manager of Dollar Tree store in Indiana last week posted a sign disparaging Gen-Z’s work ethic and proclaiming a “Baby Boomers ONLY” hiring plea.
The handwritten sign on the store’s door read:
“I apologize for us closing AGAIN. My 2 new cashiers quit because I said their boyfriends couldn’t stand here for their entire shift. Don’t hire Gen Z’s. They don’t know what work actually means. NOW HIRING! *Baby Boomers ONLY, thanks!”
Proud of Gen Z from antiwork
The sign has been removed. Dollar Tree said the manager had no permission to post the sign and no longer works at the store.
Social posts on the incident elicited thousands of comments leading to widespread media coverage. While age discrimination and cautions around stereotyping generations were widely noted, enough commentators agreed with the sentiment that Gen Z is entitled and unmotivated to make the incident trend viral.
One commentator in response to a Newsweek article stated, “Dear Gen Z and those who love to pander to them: If you spent as much time doing your job as you do complaining, you’d be top paid pros by now. The world owes you nothing.”
With many Gen-Zers just reaching employment age, research into their working habits generally align closely with those of Millennials.
Randstad’s latest Workmonitor study found 40 percent of Gen Z respondents (18-24) and 38 percent of Millennials (25-34) would rather be unemployed than unhappy in a job, compared to a quarter of Boomers (55-67). Younger generations were found much more likely than Boomers to not accept a job that didn’t align with their values on social and environmental issues.
LinkedIn’s most recent “Workplace Confidence Survey” found 36 percent of Gen-Z employees (24 or younger) and 42 percent of Millennials (25 to 40) willing to take a pay cut of up to five percent of their current salary for better work/life balance versus 25 percent for Boomers (57 and above). The younger generations also prioritized more enjoyable work and flexibility to work onsite or remotely.
- Proud of Gen Z – Reddit
- Boss leaves a FURIOUS note in his shop window hiring ‘baby boomer’ staff after his two ‘Gen Z’ cashiers quit: ‘They don’t know what work means’ – Daily Mail
- Shop owner roasted after brutal sign slamming Gen Z workers – News.com.au
- ‘Know What Work Means’: Employer Dragged for Pitting Gen Z Against Boomers – Newsweek
- Boss posts furious job ad asking for ‘baby boomers’ after Gen Z staff quit – Central Recorder
- Businesses Need To Step Up, As Millennials And Gen Z Fundamentally Change The Employee-Employer Power Dynamic – A Global Survey Of 35,000 Workers. – Randstad
- More important than money: 8 goals that tempt us to take pay cuts – Linkedin
- People at Work 2022: A Global Workforce View – ADP Research Institute
- Global study by LHH reveals worker readiness and key concerns for the future of work – LHH
- How should retail employers prepare for Gen Z workers? – RetailWire
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What’s your take on the work habits of Gen-Z versus previous generations when they were at the same stage in their lives? What’s your advice to the frustrated store manager veteran clashing with Gen-Z staffers?




Join the Discussion!
17 Comments on "Do Gen Z workers deserve to be called entitled?"
You must be logged in to post a comment.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Chief Amazement Officer, Shepard Presentations, LLC
I’m a Boomer. When I was younger I remember my friends being “profiled” in the same way Gen Z is being profiled. I remember people saying we were (collectively) lazy. This isn’t unusual. All generations have been stereotyped and criticized for something. So, comments like this are not just for Gen Z. I’ve hired amazing Gen Z and Millennial employees. I know many younger workers that take pride and work hard. And just like any employee, they want to be recognized and appreciated for their work.
As for the example in this article, the manager’s behavior may indicate the problem goes beyond the employees that quit. (What manager posts a sign like that in the window?!) Hire the right people. Set realistic expectations. Be fair, pay competitively, be a coach, praise when appropriate — This is what any employee wants. When you hire the right people and treat them right, they turn around and treat you (and your company) right.
President, Spieckerman Retail
Generation shaming is such a waste of time. People are individuals and should be treated as such. If you have a problem with an employee, it is your responsibility as a leader to address it rather than generalizing and scapegoating. I find most younger retail workers to be refreshingly easy-going yet attentive and responsive. Employees that prioritize work/life balance and have multiple interests are better for business.
Director, Retail Strategy, CI&T
Gen Z’s overall sentiment towards work is another case of a younger generation no longer tolerating what an older generation was socialized to grin and bear. The pandemic has caused many to realize how short life is and how invaluable time and fulfillment are. Boomers were celebrated for missing their kids’ little league games if it meant prioritizing their employer. That isn’t aspirational for younger generations, and future-forward corporate cultures will have to recognize and adjust to that.
CEO, New Sega Home
“Kids these days!” -Adam and Eve.
Blaming the youth, what a new idea! I’m just glad Millennials are out of the spotlight this time. The labor shortage overall is not generation specific. Companies need to take a hard look at hiring practices, compensation, and value systems rather than play the blame game. Sometimes it’s not you, it’s me.
Chairman Emeritus, Relex Solutions
Principal, KIZER & BENDER Speaking
Oh my gosh. I wonder where that manager is today.
Principal, KIZER & BENDER Speaking
I wonder, does that fall under no plan to train new hires? That is really an injustice to that generation. I wonder where that manager is working this morning.
Founder, CEO, Black Monk Consulting
Ah yes — those hard working Boomers … running around naked, out of their minds on LSD, making love in public parks, constantly stoned, unwashed, overly-indulged, not willing to do their duty and go war, lazy, aimless — oh wait, wait, we were talking about Gen Z weren’t we. The simple truth is that every Gen Zer isn’t entitled and/or doesn’t live up (or down) to generational stereotypes any more than any member of any generational cohort. The more complex truth is that the young are not like the old and, apparently for the entire history of humanity, neither group understands or appreciates the other – at least as much as the “other” thinks they should. Give Gen Z a chance. They’ll grow up into grouchy older folks complaining about those damn kids soon enough.
President, Graff Retail
Every generation blames the one coming up behind them. I have books on my shelves about how to “solve” Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y and now Gen Z. Every one is a product of their political, social and economic upbringing/background. Traditionalists respected authority (think about the times they lived in). Boomers worked ridiculous hours — how else were you going to survive and get ahead amidst the glut of talent? Gen Z ain’t perfect — then again, no generation ever was. As we say, if your customer changes, you need to change. Accordingly, if your staff change, you need to change how you lead and manage them.
Director of Industry Strategy - CPG & Retail, Stibo Systems
Many Gen Zers work incredibly hard, we can not stereotype. As leaders, we need to move beyond generations, ethnicities, race and other general groupings and be curious about the individual, their interests, and then also have a professional discussion about the business needs. Each generation is different because of what they lived through and their own work experiences. The current and future perspective on work is much different than 10 years ago and as leaders in business, we need to understand those perspectives and find a way to make it work.
Contributing Editor, RetailWire; Founder and CEO, Vision First
What circumstances are driving a store manager to write and post that letter? Is Dollar Tree doing enough to support store leaders and associates during a time when the definition of work/workplace is changing dramatically?
Principal, KIZER & BENDER Speaking
I managed a Gap store in a high end mall in the ’70s and I can tell you that I had the same kinds of issues with young employees. Kids would call in sick because they got a better deal or because they just didn’t want to work that day.
This is just one of the things that retailers have to dance with and I don’t think it is unique to Gen Z. It’s just a stage every generation goes through.
Professor, International Business, Guizhou University of Finance & Economics; Executive Director, Global Commerce Education
My colleagues are being kind. True, you must treat every hire as an individual. But this is the “every player gets a trophy” generation. It is the generation of “helicopter parents” who never let their kids fail.
It is tough to understand why you didn’t get the trophy like the other guy. If you are fired, it must be the manager’s fault.
CFO, Weisner Steel
Sorry this is rather silly: the only thing more annoying than irresponsible youth is older people claiming we were never like that. There are great — and, yes, terrible — people in every age group … ask me how I know that. (Then again … no. Please don’r!)
Director, Home and Retail Intelligence, J.D. Power
There are rockstar employees at all ages. It starts with hiring, and then providing the necessary training so the employee knows clearly what the expectations of their role is and how they impact the bigger picture for the company as a whole. Leadership will keep the employee on the path, and needs to foster an environment of continual learning, development, and recognition of how their contributions are impacting the business’ success. Providing a context for how important the store experience is to satisfying customers, driving repeat purchases, and advocacy is critical. Retail employees need to see their key role as being helpful to customers, which includes being available to help customers find the merchandise the are looking for, being courteous, being knowledge about the company and its merchandise, and listening to and offering guidance when customers have questions.
There’s no need to overcomplicate what’s being asked of employees; it’s simply delivering on the foundations of an outstanding customer experience.
Founder & CEO, HotWax Commerce
Gen Z, in contrast to previous generations, is more focused on establishing their own identity. This trait influences the majority of their life decisions, such as work. Leaders should enable Generation Z workers in finding purpose in their jobs. Gen Z should recognize the significance of their work and the fact that they have chosen to do it. In this way, employers will be able to fully utilize Gen Z’s potential to bring their vision to life.