Gen-Z is becoming the ‘toolbelt generation.’ That could hurt your hiring chances

“Every generation blames the one before, and all of their frustrations come beating’ on your door.”

Thus begins the ’80s hit “Living Years” by Mike & the Mechanics, but when it comes to the workplace, Gen-Z could fairly say it’s talking about their generation. The newest entrants to the workforce are of an age cohort so different, so angry at their elders, that they’re shunning the 9-to-5 grind and upending traditional workplace norms. A new report explores the generational difference further and brands Gen-Z workers with a surprising new label for a truly digital-first group that lives life online: They’re the toolbelt generation.

This label came about because of younger workers’ huge swing toward learning highly specialized blue-collar jobs, according to news site University Business.