Z世代員工為何正在重新定義職場成功
Why Gen Z Workers Are Redefining Success in the Workplace
難度：進階
來源：BBC News
Generation Z, those born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is entering the workforce with expectations that diverge sharply from previous generations. Unlike their predecessors who often measured success primarily through salary and job titles, young workers today prioritize purpose, flexibility, and mental health. This fundamental shift is forcing employers to rethink traditional approaches to recruitment and retention.
Z世代，大約在1997年至2012年間出生的人，正帶著與前幾代人截然不同的期望進入職場。與他們的前輩不同——前輩們通常主要透過薪水和職位頭銜來衡量成功——今天的年輕員工更重視目標感、靈活性和心理健康。這種根本性的轉變正迫使僱主重新思考傳統的招聘和留任方法。
Surveys consistently reveal that Gen Z workers value work-life balance above almost everything else. Many are unwilling to sacrifice their personal lives for career advancement, a stance that older managers sometimes interpret as a lack of ambition. However, researchers suggest this attitude reflects a more holistic understanding of wellbeing rather than diminished work ethic. Having witnessed their parents burn out or lose jobs during economic downturns, Gen Z approaches employment with clear-eyed pragmatism.
調查一致顯示，Z世代員工將工作與生活的平衡看得比幾乎任何其他事情都重要。許多人不願意為了職業發展而犧牲個人生活，這種立場有時被年長的管理者解讀為缺乏雄心。然而，研究人員認為這種態度反映的是對幸福的更全面理解，而非工作態度的下降。在目睹父母在經濟衰退期間精疲力竭或失業後，Z世代以清醒的務實態度對待就業。
The demand for meaningful work represents another defining characteristic. Gen Z employees want to feel that their contributions matter and that their employers' values align with their own. Companies perceived as environmentally irresponsible or socially regressive struggle to attract young talent. This generation scrutinizes corporate behavior more closely than any before, leveraging social media to share information about workplace cultures.
對有意義工作的需求代表了另一個標誌性特徵。Z世代員工希望感到自己的貢獻是重要的，並且僱主的價值觀與他們自己的一致。被認為對環境不負責任或在社會問題上倒退的公司難以吸引年輕人才。這一代人比以往任何時候都更仔細地審視企業行為，利用社交媒體分享關於職場文化的資訊。
Flexibility in how and where work gets done has also become non-negotiable for many young professionals. The pandemic normalized remote work, and Gen Z sees no reason to return to rigid nine-to-five office schedules. They tend to evaluate opportunities based on autonomy and trust rather than presenteeism. Employers who insist on traditional arrangements risk losing candidates to more adaptable competitors.
工作如何以及在哪裡完成的靈活性對許多年輕專業人士來說也已成為不可妥協的要求。疫情使遠端工作正常化，Z世代看不到迴歸僵化的朝九晚五辦公室時間表的理由。他們傾向於根據自主權和信任而非出勤主義來評估機會。堅持傳統安排的僱主有可能會將候選人流失給更具適應性的競爭對手。
Critics dismiss these preferences as entitlement, but defenders argue Gen Z is simply demanding what previous generations should have sought all along. The conversation around workplace expectations is ultimately about evolving definitions of a fulfilling career. As this generation gains influence, their priorities may well reshape the entire employment landscape for decades to come.
批評者將這些偏好視為一種應得心態而不以為然，但辯護者認為Z世代只是在要求前幾代人早就應該尋求的東西。關於職場期望的討論歸根結底是關於充實職業的定義正在演變。隨著這一代人獲得影響力，他們的優先事項很可能會在未來幾十年重塑整個就業格局。
重點詞彙
- diverge sharply (phr.v.)：截然不同；明顯分歧
- predecessors (n.)：前輩；前任
- recruitment and retention (n.phr.)：招聘與留任
- work-life balance (n.phr.)：工作與生活的平衡
- holistic understanding (n.phr.)：全面的理解
- clear-eyed pragmatism (n.phr.)：清醒的務實態度
- defining characteristic (n.phr.)：標誌性特徵
- values align (phr.v.)：價值觀一致
- scrutinize (v.)：仔細審視；詳細檢查
- non-negotiable (adj.)：不可妥協的；不可商量的
- presenteeism (n.)：出勤主義；形式上的在崗
- adaptable competitors (n.phr.)：更具適應性的競爭對手
- dismiss as entitlement (phr.v.)：視為應得心態而不以為然
- fulfilling career (n.phr.)：充實的職業
- reshape the landscape (phr.v.)：重塑格局