Why does it feel like Gen Z and today’s workplaces just don’t connect?
In this episode of Beyond Day One, David, Phillip, Ryan, and special guest (and Gen Z intern) John unpack the growing expectation gap between Gen Z professionals and the companies that hire them.
From communication breakdowns and outdated onboarding to corporate lag and shifting priorities, we explore what’s really behind the disconnect — and how leaders and employees can bridge the gap.
You’ll discover:
✅ The difference between entitlement and realistic expectations
✅ How poor onboarding can derail engagement from day one
✅ Why “corporate lag” frustrates young professionals
✅ How mobile tech and communication styles widen the gap
✅ The truth about Gen Z’s approach to work-life balance and “quiet quitting”
If you’re a Gen Z professional, manager, or HR leader, this conversation will help you understand what’s driving the divide — and how to build a culture where everyone thrives beyond day one.
🎧 Listen on:
📺 YouTube
🎵 Spotify
🍎 Apple Podcasts
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 — Intro: Why the Gen Z expectation gap matters
1:30 — Entitlement vs. realistic expectations
4:10 — Culture shock: fast-paced Gen Z meets slow-moving companies
6:25 — Communication breakdowns and frustration at work
9:15 — Onboarding gone wrong: setting up failure from day one
12:10 — Corporate lag: when your systems are stuck in 1998
15:05 — Tech friction: Gen Z meets pen-and-paper processes
18:20 — Gen Z perspective: feeling disconnected and misunderstood
20:45 — The new definition of work-life balance
23:30 — Quiet quitting: the silent signal of disengagement
25:00 — Final thoughts: bridging the gap and building stronger teams
#gen z workplace expectations, #BeyondDayOne #GenZWorkforce #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #SoftSkills #EmployeeEngagement #WorkLifeBalance #QuietQuitting #CareerGrowth