What: Half of Gen Z professionals reject traditional middle management roles, viewing them as high-stress and low-reward positions in corporate hierarchies.

Why it is important: This trend highlights the urgent need for retail organisations to transform middle management roles, making them more attractive while preserving their crucial function in driving innovation and operational excellence.

A recent survey of 2,000 white-collar professionals reveals a significant shift in attitudes towards middle management roles, with 50% of Gen Z respondents (aged up to 27) rejecting such positions. Nearly 70% perceive these roles as offering poor returns for high stress levels. Rather than following traditional corporate ladder climbing, younger employees prioritise individual growth and work-life balance, with two-thirds preferring personal career development over managing others. This shift reflects broader changes in workplace values, with younger generations seeking purpose-driven work and greater autonomy. While economic pressures may force some compliance with traditional structures, the trend signals a need for organisations to reimagine middle management roles to attract and retain future leaders.

IADS Notes: The shift in Gen Z attitudes towards middle management reflects broader  retail transformation trends. July 2024 data shows Central Retail addressing multigenerational workforce challenges, while October 2024's research reveals Gen Z's demand for tech-driven, efficient retail experiences. The IADS 2025 White Paper highlights how middle managers remain crucial in navigating technological advancements and drivinginnovation, particularly in AI adoption. Despite Gartner's prediction that AI will flatten organizations, the IADS emphasises that AI will enable middle managers to focus on more strategic activities. These developments, along with December 2024's insights into luxury retail workforce transformation, indicate how retailers must reimagine management roles to align with younger workers' expectations while maintaining operational excellence.

Gen Z has turned against taking middle management roles