Gen Z Workers Aren't the Problem—They’re the Unlock

If you’re leading a team right now, chances are you’ve heard it:

“Gen Z doesn’t want to work.”

“They’re too sensitive.”

“They ghost. They don’t want feedback. They’re entitled.”

Let’s stop right there.

Because Gen Z isn’t the problem—they’re the most coachable, tech-savvy, and purpose-driven workforce we’ve ever seen.

But most organizations haven’t adapted their leadership playbook to connect with them. And with AI accelerating the pace and pressure of work, the gap between generations is only widening.

That’s why AI + coaching is the future of leadership—especially when it comes to unlocking Gen Z’s potential.

Misunderstood and Mismatched

Here’s what Gen Z wants in the workplace:
• Real-time feedback (not once-a-year performance reviews)
• Growth opportunities (not rigid job ladders)
• Purpose and belonging (not just perks)
• Leaders who coach and connect (not just manage)

What they’re getting, too often, is the opposite.

According to the Marlee Generational Impact Study (based on 400,000+ data points), Gen Z workers crave clarity, trust, and coaching more than any generation before them. But most organizations are still using outdated systems—built for Boomers and Gen X—to lead them.

The result? Disengagement. Ghosting. High churn.

Not because Gen Z doesn’t care—but because no one’s speaking their language.

Coaching + AI: The Bridge to c

What makes Gen Z different isn’t a weakness—it’s a window into what the modern workforce needs. And when you layer in AI? You get the ability to meet them where they are, at scale.

Here’s what that looks like:
• AI-powered feedback tools (like Marlee, Gong, or Copilot) that deliver coaching in the flow of work
• Personalized development paths based on real behavior and goals
• Leadership systems that use tech to enhance—rather than replace—the human connection

Gen Z doesn’t want to be managed.

They want to be coached. Seen. Activated.

And with the right tools, you can do that—without overloading your managers or reinventing your entire organization.

The Opportunity: Coach the Next Gen to Win

This isn’t about catering to Gen Z workers.

It’s about recognizing that they’re already shaping the future of work—and building leadership systems that work for everyone.

When leaders commit to a performance model built on AI + coaching, they gain:
• Faster onboarding and ramp-up
• Increased engagement and retention
• A stronger leadership bench for the future

And most importantly: a culture that can scale across generations.