This article has been contributed by Asif Upadhye, Dark Knight at Never Grow Up®.
Every August 15, we celebrate our hard-won freedom.
But what does freedom mean today? For Gen Z, who is redefining work, it goes far beyond national independence. It’s now the freedom to be candid and curious about their needs. And that’s showing up in places you wouldn’t expect: no-nonsense replies to higher-ups, passion-fueled side projects, casual Zoom calls and unapologetic mental health breaks.
It’s all about how they live and work every day. To put it simply, they want the freedom to work on their own terms.
Ditching the Desk – Time Mentality
Let’s be real: the whole “9-to-5 equals commitment” thing? It doesn’t quite hold up anymore. Gen Z is pushing back against traditional definitions of productivity. They’re choosing flexibility over face time, outcomes over hours clocked in.
A recent Economic Times piece pointed out that flexibility is now one of the most sought-after workplace benefits for younger professionals in India. And it’s not hard to see why. Whether it’s logging in from a café, taking a mid-day break to recharge, or managing side hustles alongside full-time jobs, this generation is focused on flow, not formality.
This isn’t about being entitled or disengaged. It’s about being intentional. For Gen Z, the freedom to manage their own time is really the freedom to carpe diem, without the chaos. Seize the day, don’t be seized by it.
Sanvi Barjatya
Purpose > Paycheque
Here’s the thing: Gen Z cares about impact. They want their work to mean something. And they’re not afraid to ask questions that earlier generations may have shied away from.
- Does this job align with my values?
- Am I learning and growing?
- Is this company actually walking its talk?
It’s not enough to clock in and clock out. Gen Z wants to work for organisations that stand for something, whether that’s sustainability, mental health, innovation, or equity. And when they don’t see that alignment? They leave. Quietly, and sometimes quickly. But always with clarity.
Inclusion that Goes Beyond the Slogan
Being able to bring your whole self to work isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s non-negotiable. Gen Z expects workplaces to be genuinely inclusive. That means diverse hiring pipelines, mental health support that’s actually accessible, leadership that reflects the workforce, and a culture where people can speak up without fear of backlash.
Lip service won’t cut it. This generation notices when the posters say “We’re all equal here,” but the pay gaps and promotion decisions suggest otherwise. And they’re not afraid to call it out or move on.
Sanvi Barjatya
Hybrid > Burnout
Remote work was fun until it wasn’t. Yes, Gen Z values flexibility. But they’re also recognising the downside of isolation. The silence between Microsoft Team message pings. The weirdly lonely lunches. The lack of shared energy.
What seems to be working? Hybrid setups. A few days in, a few days out and the autonomy to decide which makes sense, when. It’s not about rejecting the office. It’s about creating balance. Connection, without constraint.
Collaboration with Room to Shine
Teamwork is important but so is individuality. While Gen Z may be one of the most collaborative generations who loves brainstorming, problem-solving, and learning from others, they also want space to make their own mark. They’re not here to quietly blend into the background. They want to be heard. They want their work to matter. And they want leaders who don’t just give them tasks, but trust.
The Freedom to Fail (and Try Again)
One of the most underrated freedoms Gen Z values? The freedom to experiment. They don’t see failure as fatal. Whether it’s switching roles, starting something on the side, or asking for a new challenge, they’re not afraid to shake things up. This is reshaping how organisations think about careers. There’s more room now for lateral moves, project-based work, and intrapreneurial gigs. In short: Gen Z wants a sandbox, not a straight line.
Independence with Interdependence
Here’s a nuance that’s easy to miss. Gen Z’s idea of freedom isn’t about going solo. It’s about choice with support. Flexibility with feedback. Individuality with inclusion. They want structure, but not rigidity. They want connection, but not micromanagement. They want to be seen, but not boxed in. It’s a new kind of independence. One rooted in trust, transparency, and the belief that people do their best work when they feel free to be themselves.
Sanvi Barjatya
So, What Does Freedom Look Like in 2025?
As we raise the flag and remember the past, maybe it’s also time to look at the future. Because freedom today isn’t just about borders. It’s also about boundaries and the freedom to set your own. It’s about being able to bring your tattoos, your truths, your full self to work and not wonder if you belong. It’s about workplaces where ideas are welcomed, feedback flows both ways, and growth isn’t just expected, it’s supported. When people feel free, they don’t just show up. They care. They create. They connect. And that’s where something truly meaningful begins.
Anik Banerjee
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