Lazy Nigerian Youth: Gen Z's Work Shy Lifestyle

Everything seems to be Gen Z’s fault these days. Loss of value? Gen Z did it. The fall of our culture? Gen Z. Poverty? GenZ. The fall of our society? GenZ. All Progressive Congress? Blame Gen Z again. 

Gen Z has basically brought about the fall of every traditional value and culture Nigerians hold dear, especially the culture of the 9-5 hustle and loyalty to the workplace. 

But did they? 

One thing you can't deny is that Gen Zers are very bold and loud. 

Phrases such as 'no be you go tell me wetin I go do', 'this thing is affecting my mental health, 'I can't come and kill myself', 'God when', 'God abeg" have become the supreme phrases of their philosophy. 

The long and short of these buzz words imply their 'laziness'. Sky Daddy got everything covered, so Gen Z did everything just on vibes.

This attitude is applied to all things: daily life, school, relationships, and work.

Genz make up a considerable chunk of the workforce, especially in Nigeria. About 70% of Nigeria's population is under 30. From schools to offices, GenZ are everywhere. They occupy entry roles and junior positions in organizations, and a few even occupy senior positions, running businesses, working freelance, and making money by creatively expressing themselves on social media.

Many companies and places of work are receiving them for the first time, and the reviews have been... not surprising at all. 

Basically, they radicalized the corporate environment. The infestation started with little things like rebelling against corporate dress codes and then progressed into refusing to work overtime without extra pay, doing any work outside their job description, and blatantly refusing to be ‘the office errand guy’. Also, you'd hardly catch a Gen Zer letting themselves get walked over by coworkers simply because of an unspoken hierarchy.

The young ones are far from conservative. 

But is this a result of their bad behavior or of the toxic Nigerian work culture in general? 

Toxic workplace culture has been a tradition in Nigeria for a very long time, so little wonder eyebrows are raised at Gen Z challenging it. 

Terms and conditions come with every job, which is normal. But we might have a way of going overboard. Gen Z happens to be very aware of their job descriptions and work within their pay grade. They're aware of their mental health and how work affects their overall well-being, and they prefer to do things that make them happy, no matter how difficult that might be in Nigeria. 

We live in an economic disaster with increased costs of living, stagnant wages, and a house affordability crisis, amongst other pitfalls. However, Gen Z is reacting in a manner that is convenient for them and allows them to work at their full potential. From a subjective perspective, this is rather commendable. There are few things to look forward to in our dear motherland, and so much is trying to take away from you. Work shouldn't be one of them. 

However, it is well known that older Nigerians have a way of viewing the younger generation as way less hardworking, experienced, and knowledgeable. Social media happened to amplify this bias. 

As a young Nigerian, you could be the most hardworking and competent person in a room, but you'll still be called lazy. 

You could make an argument for how hardworking GenZers are given how many GenZ stars and changemakers have broken out of the crop. The music industry, fashion, and entertainment in general. The tech space as well as the scholars in academia. 

They're a very promising generation that is finding innovative, over-the-top and unconventional ways to thrive in the state of the world we have. Their presentation lacks all the complex layers of 'appropriateness' the older generations are known for and have hammered on, but that's what makes the Gen Z spirit. The fearless are stepping away from norms to create a distinct identity.

Does that mean Gen Z doesn't do stupid things around the workspace? Definitely not. As much as they have their uniqueness that makes them wonderful to have around, they also have their shortcomings that might make them the worst people to work with. However that is topic for another day, which you can easily catch by subscribing to the website, or following us on Twitter on @BluePointblog.