The "Generation Toolbelt" column is dedicated to exploring the relationship between Gen Z and the workplace, and their role in filling the construction industry's labor gap.

Corey Silverman is passionate about poker. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he began dedicating himself to learning Texas Hold'em, delving into the math and strategy behind the game through books and YouTube videos.

Silverman, now 29, works as a safety specialist at Highwire, a construction risk management platform. He says the job allows him time to balance career goals with personal interests.

"I have a lot of hobbies and interests outside of work, and I really view work as a means to support me and give me stability so I can pursue those hobbies," Silverman said.

Work-life balance means different things to different people, especially across generations. Kevin O'Leary, the billionaire known for "Shark Tank," has publicly spoken against the concept, reportedly telling those who seek work-life balance to "go work for my competitors," according to Fortune.

"I view work as a way to support my life outside of work, rather than my identity."

— Corey Silverman, safety specialist at Highwire

However, Gen Z (those born after 1997) places a high value on work-life balance, and according to a 2024 SurveyMonkey report, some even actively create this balance regardless of their employment status.

This poses a gamble for construction employers eager to see Gen Z as the "toolbelt generation": Do they pass on potential employees who view work as a means rather than an end, or fully help the emerging workforce optimize time both on and off the job?

Gen Z isn't 'clock-watching'

Silverman's career began at a general contractor. He moved from construction to a tech startup because the industry is known for long, unpredictable hours. Building a structure takes as long as it takes, and meeting deadlines often means early mornings and late nights.

"For me, I felt like I wanted a job that would give me more time outside of work to pursue things I really care about and want to do," Silverman said. "I view work as a way to support my life outside of work, rather than my identity."

Hannah Hsi, 25, is an assistant project manager at Rosendin, an electrical contractor in San Jose, California. She says she has worked with bosses from older generations who arrive early and leave late. According to Gen Z individuals interviewed for this column, this attitude of showing dedication by "being in the office" is common among older workers.

In Hsi's experience, this led to the whole team staying on site longer, but it wasn't necessarily linked to increased output.

"I don't think you're always more productive just because you're at the workplace longer," Hsi said. "I think a healthy amount of work can be done in eight hours, and you probably don't need an extra two or three hours. If you're just there for the sake of being there, it might not be more beneficial."

Still, Gen Z professionals say the industry has changed.

"I feel like at least the people I've had the privilege of working with are mindful of things outside of work and have never put too much pressure on me," said Lauren Welsh, 25, an assistant project manager at Skanska.

Output still matters

Gen Z construction professionals emphasize that they understand work still needs to be done and completed on time. This can mean long hours.

Fulton Cure is a consultant at Well Built Construction Consulting in Baltimore. He says when he first started working on site, he knew it would take longer. Now, Cure, 28, has a daughter, and he says this has changed his attitude over the past few months.

"I try to manage my time well and get work done as early as possible," Cure said. Even so, sometimes he works an hour or two after putting his daughter to bed. Welsh also says she often takes calls or handles emails after regular work hours if necessary.

Overall, these examples show that Gen Z workers value what gets accomplished in a day more than how much time is spent.

Cure says he sets boundaries at work, leaving slightly early on Friday afternoons to spend time with his daughter. Even so, this isn't something given to him by others.

"I'm able to do that because I've gotten my work done, and they trust that I'll get it done," Cure said.