The wheels of time continue to turn as they always have, but in so many ways, technology has accelerated the pace of change they drive to an unprecedented level. Who would have thought that Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012), a population mostly associated with confusing internet slang and an entirely different worldview to that of their predecessors (the millennials), would already be India’s largest population split and responsible for $860B worth of consumer spending in 2024?
But that is the reality we live in, and despite their size and influence, workplaces have been slow to adapt to their needs and expectations, often writing them off as frivolous.
The Great Expectations Gap
The internet is rife with memes poking fun at Gen Z’s workplace approach. A viral tweet recently mocked a young employee for choosing to log in late after working overtime—a humorous, if not exaggerated, take on the generational gap. But beyond the jokes lies a deeper issue: the expectations mismatch between Gen Z and their managers.
Our research finds that generative AI may be the biggest beneficiary of the growing expectations gap. As per The GenAI Gap: GenZ and the Modern Workplace, a report by upGrad Enterprise says 56 per cent of Gen Z professionals turn to GenAI for answers they once sought from their managers. This isn't about replacing one search engine with another. Those continue to be part of their toolkit. What’s striking is that they see GenAI as a trusted sidekick in navigating tough situations at work, where human guidance traditionally played a central role.
GenAI delivers what this generation values most: speed, clarity, and judgment-free responses. For a demographic raised in the era of instant access and minimal friction, AI offers reliable solutions without the emotional complexities or perceived risks of approaching a manager. These qualities make it an ideal first resort for Gen Z when faced with challenges, particularly in high-pressure moments when asking for help might feel intimidating.
A Quiet Reliance
Interestingly, while Gen Z is eager to leverage GenAI, they’re reluctant to admit it. Many keep their use of AI under wraps, fearing judgment or the perception of incompetence. This hesitance signals a critical issue in the modern workplace: a lack of psychological safety. If young employees don’t feel comfortable seeking help from managers—or disclosing their AI usage—it raises significant concerns about mentorship, guidance, and trust in professional relationships.
This reliance on AI is not without risks. With 77 per cent of Gen Z believing GenAI will unlock new career opportunities, it’s clear they see it as a tool for growth. But at the same time, many trust GenAI’s responses with minimal edits or scrutiny, potentially compromising the quality of their work. Moreover, 54 per cent of Gen Z professionals feel their organisations lack clear guidelines on using AI tools, leaving them to navigate this technological revolution largely on their own.
What’s At Stake For Companies?
What happens when employees bypass managers in favour of AI? For one, mentorship—a cornerstone of career development—stands to suffer. Managers are meant to be the guides who help shape skills, foster critical thinking, and instill organisational values. If Gen Z no longer turns to them, businesses risk losing a key avenue for nurturing talent.
The lack of clear AI adoption policies compounds the issue. Without structured training or guardrails, employees may misuse AI, leading to inconsistent quality, reduced innovation, and even ethical risks. The stakes are high: businesses that fail to bridge the gap between Gen Z’s expectations and workplace realities risk not just productivity and data loss but also loyalty and long-term employee growth.
Way Forward
The interplay between Gen Z and Gen AI is undoubtedly reshaping the workplace, but it doesn’t have to be a conflict. AI isn’t here to replace managers; it’s here to enhance their role. To thrive, businesses must bridge the gap between human mentorship and technological reliance.
This means fostering environments where Gen Z feels safe seeking guidance—whether from managers or AI—while providing clear guidelines for responsible AI use. Gen Z’s trust in GenAI is a powerful asset, but without the right structure, its potential risks overshadow its benefits.
Gen Z is optimistic about the potential of GenAI, and their enthusiasm can be a powerful force for innovation. But businesses must step up to provide the structure and support needed to harness this potential. Only then can we create a workplace that empowers employees, strengthens mentorship, and leverages the best of both human and machine intelligence.
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