With graduation around the corner, more of Generation Z is entering the workforce — with their version of professionalism.  Gen Z consists of people born from 1997–2012, with the oldest being 28 and the youngest 13.  

As part of this generation, born in 2004 and having been in the workforce since I was 14, I’ve experienced firsthand how Gen Z is reshaping what it means to be professional. And how those in charge aren’t always fond of this new change. 

When I was younger, if you had a tattoo, it meant that you had better find ways to hide it or give up on getting hired for certain jobs. Now, it’s hard to meet someone over 18 who doesn’t have a tattoo.  

According to a Pew Research Center survey released in 2023, “A large majority of U.S. adults say society has become more accepting of people with tattoos in recent decades — and 32% of adults have a tattoo themselves.”  

The polls also showed that 41% of adults aged 18 to 29 have tattoos. The percentage of these results has increased since the Pew Research Center Survey in 2010, conducted by phone, where the percentage of adults who said they had a tattoo was 23%.

This has become the same thing for hair, piercings and in some cases clothing. But even with these shifts, there are older adults who still see things like tattoos or piercings as unprofessional. 

Last year, the BBC published an article titled “Not all employers are tolerating Gen-Z’s laid-back language.” The article highlights how young workers are judged for being authentic as they’re pressured to conform to traditional workplace norms. It also examines how Gen Z’s casual, natural way of speaking often clashes with older employers’ expectations of professionalism.

The article ultimately suggests that “Gen Z’s casual speaking style could be an indicator of professional changes to come.”

But in my eyes, these professional changes are already happening. In an interview I had a couple of years ago, the interviewer asked what professionalism was to me. Looking back, it was a weird question because what else is professionalism other than being respectful to your boss and coworkers, doing your work and not bringing personal drama into the workplace?

I don’t know if that was the answer they wanted to that specific question. Still, it was the answer I gave because professionalism isn’t just about wearing business clothes, having your hair look neat and nice or speaking in a stiff or overly formal manner.

Gen Z recognizes that, because after years of being told to be ourselves, experiencing pop-culture moments that highlight individuality and non-conformity, what else is there to do?

According to a 2023 Forbes article that challenged Gen Z’s position in the workforce, “Don’t resist. Tap into it. Learn from it. Gen-Z is not going to fit into a cookie-cutter mold, so try to embrace the way they see and do things.”

Fast forward a year later and Gen Z’s calls for authenticity aren’t just limited to the workplace but also are affecting their actions as consumers. Forbes released another article, “Authenticity: The Key To Unlocking Gen Z Products,” in 2024. 

The article discusses how Gen Z values being able to express their true selves, urging brands to let users showcase their personalities. Focusing on how authenticity is a part of a larger cultural trend, with Gen Z seeking environments that celebrate and honor individuality.

Because of Gen Z’s push for authenticity, professionalism is being redefined, shifting away from traditional markers like formal attire and rigid speech. It’s becoming something more unique, defined not by appearance, language or communication style but by the ability to excel at your job. Something more aligned with who we are. 

So, as more Gen Z workers enter the workforce, the definition of professionalism is shifting and Gen Z is undoubtedly changing it for the better.

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Sarah Arellano is a junior at the University of Arizona studying Journalism and Law. When she is not reporting, she likes to read all sorts of books.