Generation Z’s workplace attitudes spark HR challenges in Brazil and Canada

A Brazilian study of 81 workers found that Generation Z expects rapid career growth, frequent feedback and rejects annual‑only bonus schemes. While salary remains important, leadership quality, organisational culture and development opportunities are seen as more decisive for retention, leading researchers to recommend a total‑rewards model that combines frequent recognition with clear growth paths.

A separate survey of 2,000 young employees (aged 18‑34) across Spain and Canada revealed that 95% consider flexible arrival and departure times acceptable, use company resources for personal matters and even take naps at work. Notable behaviours include 34% leaving early, 18% arriving late, 27% faking sickness to take a day off, 11% inflating logged hours and 11% sleeping on the job. Around 40% admit to “silent vacations” – appearing online while actually off work – and 51% have done this multiple times in the past year. The findings underscore that inter‑generational management is now a strategic HR challenge for the vast majority of companies.