Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy recently made critical remarks about Generation Z, who have begun to replace baby boomers in the workforce. Portnoy’s comments were made during an appearance on “Varney & Co.,” where he described members of Gen Z as “lazy, entitled losers.” He expressed his belief that this generation, born between 1997 and 2012, lacks the work ethic and motivation of their predecessors.
Portnoy criticized Gen Z for being “spoiled brats” who are accustomed to receiving participation trophies and struggle with the traditional expectations of office work, such as commuting and maintaining regular office hours. He suggested that this group expects to have everything handed to them easily and that they are challenging to motivate.
In contrast, a report from the Wall Street Journal offers a different perspective on managing Gen Z in the workplace. It compares the approach to motivating Gen Z employees to that of motivating professional athletes in a locker room setting. The article notes that Gen Z employees often prioritize work-life balance and self-care more than previous generations.
Marti Wronski, the chief operating officer of the Milwaukee Brewers, shared insights into the typical concerns Gen Z candidates raise during job interviews, such as the extent of paternity leave, the organization’s values, and how a role aligns with their personal goals. These questions reflect Gen Z’s interest in ensuring that their careers are in harmony with their overall life aspirations.
