Britain’s youngest professionals bring with them fresh perspectives and new ways of doing things, but their approach is always not welcomed by colleagues, it seems. That’s according to the results of a study by Kahoot!, which reveals Z’s experience of work, after one year on the job – a time it says is shaped by generational tensions and the search for belonging, recognition, and purpose.
The top line findings: Nearly half (44%) of Gen Z office workers report experiencing criticism from older co-workers specifically because of stereotypes linked with their generation, according to the largest 2025 survey of young Britons (aged 21-25) new to the workplace.
Many highlight that they’re judged for being ‘too passionate’ or outspoken (47%), for using informal language, slang, or humour (46%), for setting healthy boundaries (44%), and even for how they look (42%). It is no wonder that 47% say stress has brought them to tears and 39% of young British workers have seriously considered quitting within their first year.
Kahoot! commissioned its study via OnePoll in September 2025, surveying 2,000 UK office workers aged 21-25, who have recently graduated from university and are new to a corporate environment.
The report’s findings provide organisations an invaluable insight into Gen Z’s experience of the workplace – one too often defined by tensions, stresses and uncertainty.
However, in spite of this the first generation of truly digitally native office workers’ are clear in what they value most: meaningful connections, regular feedback and recognition, pathways to personal growth, and a genuine sense of purpose.
More Key Findings:
- Generational tensions: Of the young workers who say they’ve been criticised by older colleagues, nearly half report it being based on being ‘too passionate’ or outspoken (47%), for using informal language or humour (46%), for setting boundaries or saying no (44%), and for their clothing or appearance (42%).
- Being heard and belonging: Nearly a quarter (24%) feel their opinions are not taken seriously at work or are unsure as to whether their opinion matters. Many believe that having more opportunities to share their perspective (40%) and being included in decision-making (38%) would help them feel a stronger sense of belonging at work.
- Recognition and the praise gap: 30% of young professionals received no recognition or praise in the past week. Feeling valued plays a key role in belonging – supportive team relationships (50%) and recognition for contributions (47%) were the top factors young professionals said would help them feel a stronger sense of belonging at work.
- ‘Reverse mentoring’ is on the rise: More than half (57%) of young professionals report having to teach their manager how to complete a basic digital task.
- Many young workers feel out of their depth: More than two-thirds (68%) admit to having felt out of their depth at work, with nearly one in ten (9%) saying they “always” feel that way.
Part one of Kahoot!’s Gen Z One Year On The Job report can be read in full for free here: https://kahoot.com/business/gen-z-report-2025/
