Gen Z, Overtime and the Work Ethic Myth
- 07:21
- November 18th 2025
Younger workers are being criticised for refusing unpaid overtime, but this backlash tells us far more about broken work systems than it does about Gen Z. In this episode, we explore why younger workers are setting firmer boundaries, why that is causing discomfort in organisations, and what it reveals about job design, wellbeing and culture.
This is not a work ethic problem. It is a work design problem. And the shift we’re seeing might be exactly what workplaces need.
🎧 Key Topics
- The real cause of the overtime backlash
- Why boundaries expose structural and cultural failures
- Intergenerational dynamics and shifting expectations
- What healthy, sustainable work should look like
🚨 Did You Know?
UK workers deliver over a billion hours of unpaid overtime each year, often masking poor job design and unrealistic expectations.
🔑 Actionable Takeaways
- Treat overtime as a sign of structural strain
- Redesign roles that depend on unpaid labour
- Support managers to lead without pressure tactics
- Listen to younger workers as cultural early-warning signals
💡 Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts, connect with us on social media and help us keep pushing for workplaces built around fairness, dignity and genuine wellbeing.
Inside Out: Mental Health at Work and in Life
In this MHScot-hosted podcast, we break down barriers and spark conversations about mental health. Starting in the workplace and extending outward, we’ll explore tools, stories, and initiatives that shape a healthier, more inclusive world. Whether you’re an employer, employee, or community member, tune in to discover actionable insights, challenge assumptions, and learn how nurturing well-being from the inside out helps us all thrive.
Support Us
MHScot Workplace Wellbeing CIC is a social enterprise focused on improving mental health in the workplace. We provide engaging training and education to help employers and employees create more compassionate environments. Every purchase or donation supports our efforts to reduce mental health inequalities and promote a more inclusive society.