Gen Z Matching Managerial Rates of Older Cohorts, Expected to Surpass Boomers by 2026

The concept of "conscious unbossing," where Gen Z workers reportedly avoid traditional management roles to prioritize flexibility and reduce stress, has gained significant attention in 2025. However, data from Glassdoor economist Daniel Zhao reveals that Gen Z is entering managerial positions at rates comparable to previous generations, with about one in ten managers expected to be from this cohort this year, potentially surpassing baby boomers by 2026. Despite surveys indicating that over half of Gen Z employees dislike middle management due to high stress and low reward, many still pursue leadership roles motivated by an average 11% pay increase upon promotion. This contradiction suggests a generational shift where rhetoric about rejecting hierarchical authority coexists with pragmatic career advancement. Meanwhile, companies face challenges with the traditional leadership pipeline, prompting experiments with new career development models that emphasize mentorship and skill-building over titles. These dynamics reflect a complex balancing act between Gen Z's values for autonomy and the economic incentives and realities of climbing the corporate ladder.