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A new study has found that Generation Z are taking “micro-retirements” from work. A “micro-retirement” is essentially a vacation.
Micro-retirements can take a few forms, according to the report, such as “quitting a job and finding a new job when you’re ready to work again, setting up a plan with your employer that allows you to take unpaid frequent work breaks, and taking breaks from your business if you’re a business owner.”
This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve seen studies that provide insight into Gen Z’s work habits, as it was previously found that 71% of Gen Z workers believe a four-day workweek would make jobs significantly more attractive.
“Gen Z is using micro-retirement to avoid burnout, find greater fulfillment in their work, and enhance their overall well-being. However, it’s not just Gen-Z: according to a survey from Side Hustles, 10% of workers are considering taking a micro-retirement and 75% thought employers should offer micro-retirement policies such as unpaid sabbaticals.”
“The idea is to take frequent and longer breaks from work during your career. These breaks are not your standard PTO—they’re intentional, unpaid time to rest and recharge.” [via Fast Company]
They are calling vacations 'Micro-retirements' now. pic.twitter.com/3D4p7F7hX4
— Bizlet (@bizlet7) July 6, 2025
By 2030, projections predict that Gen Z will make up 30% of the workforce and hold over 50 million jobs. According to Deloitte, Gen Z is “more focused on work/life balance than climbing the corporate ladder — only 6% say their primary career goal is to reach a leadership position.”
Another recent work trend found within Gen Z employees is something called “bathroom camping.” Bathroom camping apparent entails going to the bathroom and hanging out in there to refresh, reset, or just zone out.
Again, this isn’t a revolutionary idea — people have been taking dumps “on company time” for decades now — Gen Z has just given it trendy branding by putting a name to it.