Guwahati's Gen Z Professionals Redefine Workplace Norms
The Shift in Work Culture
Rishika Borpujari, a 23-year-old content writer, initially viewed her new role in the communications sector as a promising opportunity. However, her enthusiasm quickly faded.
Instead of experiencing growth and learning, she became overwhelmed by unrealistic deadlines, excessive responsibilities, and a workplace culture that glorified long hours.
Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “Lunch breaks turned into time for catching up on work. Discussions about stress were ignored. I felt invisible — as if my well-being was irrelevant, and only my productivity mattered.”
The mounting pressure affected her health, leading to sleepless nights and anxiety. Eventually, Rishika reached a breaking point and decided to resign without notice.
She is not alone in this trend. In Guwahati, many young professionals from Gen Z are leaving their jobs abruptly, often without any formal farewell. For 24-year-old Priyam Goswami, this isn't an act of rebellion but a necessary step for self-care.
Priyam explains, “I won’t waste my time in a toxic environment or one that lacks growth opportunities.”
This shift in mindset prioritizes mental health, flexibility, and purpose over traditional job security, challenging the old norms of employment.
Employers Facing New Challenges
Employers in a Bind
Businesses in Guwahati, particularly startups and IT firms, are feeling the impact of this trend. HR managers report an increase in sudden resignations and employees disappearing without notice.
R. Borah, an HR manager at a tech company, notes, “In the past, employees would at least provide notice. Now, we see talented individuals leaving within weeks, often without any warning, which disrupts project timelines and team morale.”
The close-knit professional environment in Guwahati amplifies the effects of these abrupt departures, as small teams rely heavily on each member.
Parag Barman, a marketing manager at an automobile firm, emphasizes the disruption caused by unexpected resignations, stating, “When someone leaves without notice, it sets us back significantly. We invest in training, and losing someone early on means starting over, which severely impacts productivity.”
This unpredictability is prompting employers to rethink their hiring and retention strategies. Some are implementing probationary incentives, early performance bonuses, and mental wellness check-ins to foster a more supportive work atmosphere.
Barman highlights that while salary is a significant factor, it’s not the sole reason for resignations. He points out, “Private sector salaries in Guwahati are relatively low, but many young professionals seek more than just a paycheck.”
Amin, an HR manager at a media organization, concurs, stating that Gen Z employees value alignment with their interests and feeling appreciated just as much as financial compensation.
Adapting to Gen Z's Expectations
Rethinking the Workplace
To meet the evolving expectations of Gen Z, many companies in Guwahati are reassessing their workplace cultures. Flexibility, transparency, mental health support, and genuine growth opportunities are becoming essential rather than optional.
Amin asserts, “Retention is not just about providing a job; it’s about delivering value. We must motivate young employees, clearly communicate the benefits we offer, and help them understand how their experiences contribute to their long-term career growth.”
As Gen Z continues to redefine what a fulfilling career entails, workplaces in Guwahati find themselves at a pivotal moment. The traditional rules of rigid hours, hierarchical structures, and blind loyalty are losing their relevance.
Today’s young professionals are seeking balance, purpose, and respect. When these elements are absent, they are willing to walk away.