Gen Z power workers say it’s ‘impossible to be lazy’ at work
Young workers are entering the electrical engineering industry with big expectations – and proving emerging stereotypes wrong!
Gen Z are often criticised for being lazy, impatient and apathetic about the world of work, but young employees at UK Power Networks beg to differ.
Working at the country’s biggest distribution network operator (DNO), the rising stars of the industry are only just starting their career but know that those stereotypes will not hold them back.
A YouGov poll released this month, suggested that 52% of people think workers in their 20s and 30s are lazier than their elders.
The electricity firm has 6,200 employees across London, the South East and the East, with more than 342 staff having 40-plus years of long service, and ushers in young talent through graduate schemes, internships and work experience.
Four Gen Z employees training with some of the country’s best electrical engineers and managers, shared their thoughts on working in the industry – with two new engineers beating more than 4,400 other university leavers for their spots at UK Power Networks.
Sasha Ritchie, 24, a graduate working as a major connections engineer, works on large-scale projects that need major high-voltage connections. She has assisted on projects that have helped customers reduce their energy bills by working to implement green technology.
Sasha said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone my age who’s happy ‘’doing nothing. I think at UK Power Networks especially it’s hard to be lazy, there’s such a strong culture of giving your best and trying to develop your skills. There’s a lot of pride taken in being better than you were a week ago, and sharing what you’ve learnt with other people, and it’s a brilliant culture to join.
“I think the Gen Z members of the workforce prove any stereotype wrong by being so excited to be here and getting involved with everything we can. We’re all always thrilled to talk about everything we’ve been doing and chat about the projects we’re involved in. Every chance I get to talk to somebody my age, everyone is always so excited to share what they’ve learnt and the projects they’ve been involved in.”
Naiya Hirji, 22, graduate innovation engineer, works with the latest technologies and techniques to help make the power grid as efficient and sustainable as possible. She’s currently working on projects that help industrial customers such as factories electrify and cut their carbon emissions.
Naiya said: “The perception of laziness may stem from the younger generation’s tendency to use ‘shortcuts’. However, these shortcuts often involve leveraging AI, coding, and other technical tools to enhance efficiency and improve task performance. This is not a negative trait; rather, it’s a testament to their innovative approach.
“Our workforce comprises multiple generations, each with unique experiences and varying degrees of familiarity with technology. Gen Z’s embrace of modern tools and techniques is also a crucial step forward.”
Eniola Hassan, 21, who is training to become a qualified health and safety advisor, provides occupational health and safety advice to colleagues and the general public to promote best practice. With safety being the company’s number one priority, he works at the forefront of making sure everybody goes home safely.
Eniola said: “I think it’s impossible to be lazy in this job, I do not believe that the narrative surrounding Gen Z being lazy is at all correct or fair, I think this stems from things being done differently to traditional methods due to technological advances and practices that Gen Z use to their advantage.
“Since being at UK Power Networks I have yet to meet someone similar in age to me who is not eager to get involved in any projects or tasks which will further develop their skills and experiences, then share what we have learnt with each other as well as key takeaways. This is a testament to the company’s approach which encourages every one of us to be the best we can, essentially making it impossible to be lazy – especially in my role within Safety which is at the forefront.”
Adam Dean, 20, apprentice linesperson, is training to work on overhead electricity cables that deliver electricity to millions of homes and businesses in the South East. He said: “Stereotypes are based on a select few who are making a bigger name for themselves, compared to those who like to get the job done. I feel like this leads to many thinking that just because someone in Gen Z wants to get the job done and go home doesn’t mean they are also lazy.
“For me, I have, and will continue, to show a willing to help out where I can during any job I’m on and learning as much as I can so I can make sure I’m a greater use out on site allowing for the job to be completed in a safe manner and so I can do more so the days moves a bit smoother and quicker. This is also the same for many of my peers on the apprenticeship.”
