Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Gen-Z Shies Away From Middle Management Roles, Citing Stress and Burnout
Many young professionals, known as Gen-Z, don't want to become bosses who manage others.
They feel that being a middle manager is too stressful and doesn't pay enough for the hard work.
Some also think these jobs don't let them make enough decisions or help them grow their own skills.
Instead, they prefer to focus on their own work and getting better at specific tasks.
This is happening as some big companies are also getting rid of middle manager jobs.
While most young people don't want these roles, many employers still think middle managers are very important.
Experts suggest companies need to make these jobs more appealing by giving managers more freedom and helping them develop their skills.
Companies might also need to create different kinds of work environments where everyone feels empowered.
A survey reveals 52% of Gen-Z professionals do not desire middle management positions.
High stress and low reward are primary reasons cited by 69% of respondents for avoiding management roles.
Gen-Z predominantly prefers individual career progression focused on personal skill development over managing others.
Companies are reducing middle management layers, with these roles comprising up to 30% of recent job cuts.
Employers emphasize the crucial role of middle managers, urging companies to innovate strategies to make these positions more attractive.
- Who
- Gen-Z professionals
- What
- Avoiding middle management roles due to concerns about stress, burnout, limited decision-making, and reduced growth, preferring individual career paths.
- When
- Current
- Where
- Global (survey by Robert Walters)
- Why
- High stress, low reward, limited decision-making, reduced growth opportunities, and preference for individual career paths and entrepreneurial mindsets.
- Gen-Z Desire for Non-Management Roles
- 52% of Gen-Z professionals do not want to be middle managers.
- Reasons for Avoidance
- 69% cite high stress and low reward; 18% limited decision-making; 11% reduced growth.
- Managerial Burnout
- 75% of middle managers feel overwhelmed and burnt out (Capterra survey).
- Preferred Career Path
- 72% prefer individual career routes focused on personal growth and skills.
- Corporate Hierarchy Preference
- 30% favor flat, team-based structures over traditional corporate hierarchy.
- Employer Perspective
- 89% of employers state middle managers play a crucial role.