A new study from Pipedrive has uncovered something surprising: older employees are working longer hours, but younger ones are actually getting better results. The report found that 82% of workers aged 51 to 65 often put in overtime. By contrast, only 59% of those between 18 and 35 work beyond business hours. Yet despite those extra hours, the older group is less likely to hit their sales targets.
This finding turns an old idea on its head. For decades, we’ve been told that long hours equal dedication. But it looks like Gen Z and Millennials are proving that working smarter can beat working longer. Interestingly, a poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek showed that 40% of people—including Gen Z themselves—think they’re the hardest generation to work with. Still, the numbers suggest their focus on work-life balance may be a strength, not a weakness.
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee, explained to Newsweek why younger employees often stand out: “Those aged 18-35 in the workplace are more likely to be quicker adopters to AI and other modern tech features that can save time and boost efficiency.” In short, leaning into artificial intelligence and digital tools helps them achieve more in fewer hours.
Tech, culture, and changing priorities
Generational differences aren’t just about the clock—they’re about mindset. Many older employees grew up in a work culture where staying late was seen as proof of loyalty. But today’s experts argue that doesn’t necessarily mean better performance. As HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek: “More hours doesn’t equal more output, and those studies often show the inverse is true.”
Younger workers tend to focus on efficiency, boundaries, and using smarter technology. They know burnout is real, so they protect their time to keep their productivity high. This trend shows up in other research, too. A study from Randstad revealed that 76% of Gen Z would rather have a strong work-life balance than a higher paycheck. And with more and more people working from home in many industries, flexibility is no longer an option, it’s an expectation.
What the experts are saying
Business leaders agree that adaptability and technology are driving this shift. According to Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group: “Younger people tend to outperform their older cohorts because they are more adaptable to the changing environment and technology. Younger cohorts are likely to get things done more quickly and efficiently while using technology to increase output such as AI, phone efficiency, and their ability to use technology out of office.”
Beene also noted that life stage matters. Younger people are often starting their families and so they rather spend time at home, while older employees may be focused on boosting earnings before retirement.
Still, it’s important not to dismiss the value of experience. Drew Powers, founder of Powers Financial Group, explained: “Younger generations have a leg up on their 50+ year-old counterparts when it comes to adopting new tech and overall physical stamina. But too often we discount the experience and wisdom of older generations.” The tension between youth and experience isn’t new—each generation has always seen the other as “doing it wrong.”
The future for workplaces
So, what does this mean for employers? Practically speaking, this means that employers should spend less time counting the minutes someone is glued to a desk, but rather, focus on the actual output that is produced.
My guess is it is somewhere in the middle, taking advantage of technology to work faster, providing sufficient autonomy, and mixing up the agility of younger employees with the experience of older ones. The future of “good work” remains the same as always: proving the value you add to the company.