Gen Z isn’t just another generation that spends too much time on TikTok (though many older folks will quickly point to that).
Beneath the surface, there’s an array of values that some from older generations might find unnecessary, exaggerated, or even laughable—but that pack a genuine punch when it comes to well-being, career progression, and social awareness.
I’ve observed these values while talking to younger coworkers, reading up on generational studies, and, to be honest, trying to keep up with fresh perspectives that challenge the traditional way of doing things.
So, in this post for DMNews, let’s explore eight of those values and see how they might actually be worth adopting—even if they initially seem off-putting to someone who remembers a world without smartphones.
1. Treating mental health as non-negotiable
Not too long ago, it was common to treat mental health issues as private matters or even “weaknesses.”
Many Gen Zers, however, are vocal about their mental health and prioritize it as integral to living a fulfilling life. Therapy appointments, mental health days, and open discussions about anxiety or depression aren’t taboo—they’re part of the normal conversation.
A few years ago, I remember working in a high-pressure marketing role where stress was practically a badge of honor. The thought of telling my boss I needed a mental health day felt unimaginable.
Today, younger professionals I chat with simply say, “I can’t pour from an empty cup,” and block a day off to reset, no guilt attached.
Interestingly, studies by the American Psychological Association show that over 70% of Gen Z reports stress around issues like work and personal finances, but they’re also more likely than previous generations to seek help.
That proactive approach might seem self-indulgent to some, but older generations can learn a lot about preventing burnout by taking a page from Gen Z’s book.
2. Embracing flexible career paths
Gone are the days when a linear, single-company career was the gold standard. Gen Z often sees jobs as stepping stones, skill-building opportunities, or passion pursuits.
They’ll pivot roles, jump industries, or start a side hustle on the weekends. From an older perspective, this might look like a lack of loyalty or focus. In reality, it’s a willingness to adapt and explore.
I’ve mentioned this before but, back in my digital marketing days, I noticed a growing trend of interns or junior employees treating each role as a sampler platter of experiences. They weren’t being flaky; they were building a broad skill set to keep their options open.
This approach reminds me of something Gary Vaynerchuk once said: “Skills are cheap. Passion is priceless.” Gen Z is betting on discovering what truly lights them up, rather than just grinding away at a job that saps their energy.
Older generations could learn that it’s never too late to pivot. The idea of “learn a skill, stay in your lane, retire at 65” might be comfortable, but it’s not always the recipe for long-term fulfillment. Embracing a flexible career path could open up a world of possibility—no matter how old you are.
3. Valuing authenticity over perfection
Gen Z has a knack for sniffing out anything that seems fake, and they’re quick to call it out. Whether it’s a staged social media post or a cookie-cutter corporate announcement, young people demand a sense of realness.
That might sound dramatic to those who grew up in an era where “looking professional” meant concealing your flaws and personal challenges. But ironically, this quest for authenticity can foster deeper connections, personally and professionally.
I once attended a networking event where a college senior openly admitted he was still figuring out what he wanted to do next. He spoke passionately about wanting to explore a startup environment rather than jump into the typical corporate role.
Some older folks in the room were taken aback by his honesty, but a few heads started nodding in agreement. Turns out, his candor was refreshing, and it landed him offers for informational chats and mentorship opportunities.
Simon Sinek famously said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” In a sense, Gen Z values the ‘why’ behind people, brands, and institutions. They want to see the real story, not a polished veneer. Couldn’t we all stand to be a bit more real with each other?
4. Prioritizing social justice and activism
Another hallmark of this generation is its demand for social responsibility, fairness, and ethical behavior from corporations, governments, and even social media platforms.
They’ll tweet, boycott, and organize in a heartbeat if they sense injustice. Critics might call this “performative” or roll their eyes at what they perceive as youthful idealism.
But think of the numerous grassroots movements that have sparked real, tangible change—like widespread environmental campaigns or corporate policy shifts. When older generations see these actions, it sometimes feels over-the-top.
However, there’s a lesson here about the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for causes bigger than ourselves.
Companies that once stayed silent on social issues have taken note because Gen Z (and many younger millennials) put their money where their values are. If older generations learn anything from this, it’s that voicing your principles—and supporting them with action—can create positive ripples in your community and beyond.
5. Leaning into digital minimalism
This might surprise you, because Gen Z is often criticized for too much screen time. However, many members of this generation are turning to digital minimalism—or at least digital boundaries—to preserve mental well-being.
While some older folks might see Gen Z as “glued to their phones,” a segment of them is acutely aware of the mental toll technology can take. They talk about app limits, digital detoxes, and uninstalling certain social platforms for mental clarity.
Cal Newport, in his book Digital Minimalism, stated, “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” I see Gen Zers balancing their hyper-connected lifestyles with mindful breaks and conversation about the addictive nature of social apps.
They’re not perfect—no generation is—but there’s a deliberate effort among many to use tech rather than letting tech use them.
Older generations can certainly benefit from rethinking their own smartphone habits. After all, who among us hasn’t wasted hours scrolling mindlessly? Taking a more intentional approach to technology could give us back time and mental energy we didn’t even realize we were losing.
6. Demanding transparency from brands
Remember a time when most people didn’t question what went into their products, how they were made, or who made them? Gen Z isn’t having that. Whether it’s questioning fast-fashion’s labor practices or reading ingredient labels, they’re insistent on knowing what they’re purchasing and the impact it has on the world.
To some older consumers, that might come across as extreme. Why demand such detailed information? Well, because if you’re passionate about the environment, human rights, or health, you want those values reflected in your day-to-day buying decisions.
Experts in consumer behavior have noted a shift: people are becoming more value-driven in how they spend. And Gen Z is leading the charge.
For older shoppers, it’s never too late to read the fine print or research a product’s background. You might find that asking questions about sourcing and manufacturing leads to better quality, better ethics, and ultimately, better satisfaction with what you bring home.
7. Emphasizing collaborative learning
Gen Z’s approach to learning—and knowledge-sharing—is often fast, crowd-sourced, and deeply communal. They jump into online courses, TikTok tutorials, Discord servers, and group chats to share tips or learn new skills.
There isn’t a big emphasis on knowledge hoarding or gatekeeping. Instead, it’s about gathering bits of info from a community and synthesizing it into something practical.
I used to do a fair bit of marketing consulting for small businesses, and I found that my younger colleagues were fantastic at weaving together a solution from multiple online resources.
They’d watch a five-minute YouTube video from one expert, read a short eBook from another, and hop on a Reddit forum for user experiences. From an outside perspective, it might have looked scattered, but it was surprisingly efficient.
Collaboration and open-source learning might feel chaotic compared to rigid school curriculums or traditional corporate training. But it has big upsides: knowledge is democratized, people can learn at their own pace, and solutions are often more creative.
There’s definitely room for older generations to embrace this flexible, community-based approach to personal or professional growth.
8. Redefining success beyond traditional milestones
Finally, there’s the idea that success is about more than just a stable job, a house, and a pension at 65. Gen Z is often accused of being “unrealistic” because they talk about wanting purpose-driven work, a better work-life balance, and freedom to explore passions.
But those aims are rooted in a broader definition of success—one that includes personal happiness, health, and meaningful contributions to society.
Older generations can find this jarring. Many were raised on the concept that success meant a singular focus on career achievement, climbing the corporate ladder, and saving as much as possible. Yet, if someone is deeply unhappy in a stable role, is that genuine success?
Rather than dismiss these new definitions, it might be worth seeing them as a way to craft a richer life. Does success always mean the biggest house, or could it mean having the flexibility to spend more time with loved ones, pursue creative passions, or travel the world?
Gen Z’s outlook can inspire everyone to reevaluate what truly matters in the long run.
Putting it all together
The world keeps evolving, and so do the values that guide our decisions. Gen Z’s approaches might look “ridiculous” to someone who can’t fathom quitting a stable job just to regain mental peace or halting a smartphone habit for a weekend detox.
But beneath each of these values is an underlying quest for authenticity, freedom, and well-being that any of us—regardless of age—can appreciate and incorporate into our daily routines.
Here at DMNews, we’re all about personal growth and mindset shifts. Maybe you don’t need to adopt every single Gen Z value overnight. However, even exploring one or two—like being more transparent about mental health, or collaborating in online communities—could help you discover new ways to thrive in modern life.
Ultimately, it’s never too late to learn from those who see the world through a different lens. After all, growth happens when we remain open to fresh perspectives, no matter how outlandish they might seem at first.
