Which Generation Wants Authenticity at Work the Most? (The Answer Will Surprise You)
- Erin Hatzikostas
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Let me ask you a question.
Which generation wants authenticity in the workplace the most?
If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking:
Gen Z
Maybe Millennials
Definitely not the older generations
Right?
Yeah… that’s what everyone thinks.
And it’s wrong.
What the Data Actually Says
In a live audience, I’ll often do a quick poll.
“Raise your hand if you think it’s Gen X.” A few hands.
“Millennials?”More hands.
“Gen Z?”Even more.
And almost nobody raises their hand for Boomers.
But here’s what our research—based on over 1,100 people—actually showed:
Boomers want authenticity in the workplace the most.
Followed by Gen X.
Then Millennials.
Then Gen Z.
Let that sink in for a second.
The people you assume care the least…actually care the most.
Wait… Why?
It seems backwards, right?
We’re constantly hearing things like:
“The younger generation won’t put up with corporate BS.”
“Gen Z demands authenticity.”
“Millennials are changing the workplace.”
And sure—there’s some truth to that.
But here’s what’s really going on.
The “White Flag” Effect
If you’ve been in the workforce for 20, 25, 30+ years…
You’ve seen it all.
The buzzwords.The polished emails.The “let’s take this offline” nonsense.
Over. And over. And over again.
And at some point?
You kind of… give up.
Not because you don’t want authenticity.
But because you’ve learned how the game is played.
So on the outside, it might look like:
compliance
going through the motions
playing along
But on the inside?
There’s a strong desire for something different.
Something more real.
Younger Generations Expect It—Older Generations Crave It
Here’s the key distinction:
Younger generations often expect authenticity
Older generations deeply crave it
Why?
Because they’ve experienced the opposite for so long.
They know exactly what inauthenticity feels like.
And they’re tired of it.
What This Means for Leaders
If you’re a leader, this insight is a big deal.
Because it means:
Authenticity isn’t just a “young person thing.”
It’s a human thing.
And in many cases, the people who have been around the longest…
Are the ones most hungry for it.
So when you:
drop the corporate speak
say what you actually think
admit what you don’t know
speak like a human
You’re not just connecting with younger employees.
You’re unlocking something powerful across your entire organization.
The Bottom Line
We’ve been telling ourselves a story about generations and authenticity.
But the data tells a different one.
The people who’ve been in the system the longest…
Are often the ones who want authenticity the most.
So if you’re thinking about how to lead better, communicate better, or connect better at work…
Don’t overcomplicate it.
Just be real.
Because chances are…
Everyone—no matter their age—is waiting for it.
Erin Hatzikostas is an internationally recognized leader on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. Learn more about her keynote speaking, workshops, and other authentic programs here.
