Kabataan Para Sa Bayan: The Lived Workplace Experiences of Gen Z Employees in Provincial Government of La Union on Shaping Contemporary Work Culture

Abstract

This research explores the workplace experiences of Generation Z employees in the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and analyzes their impact on the development of contemporary work culture. It aims to assess the impact of Gen Z’s cultural identity, digital skills, and values on their actions in the workplace, as the new generation. Within a phenomenological approach, this study gathered qualitative data through semi-structured interviews and open-ended surveys with fifteen purposefully selected participants. To ensure rich, first-hand insights, the researchers personally visited the PGLU offices and conducted the interviews face to face, allowing for more meaningful interaction and deeper understanding of the participants’ lived experiences. The data were approached using thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step approach. Analysis yielded three primary themes with nine subthemes: (1) Factors of Contemporary Work Culture: work-life balance, digitalization, and workplace diversity; (2) The Journey of Gen Z Employees: collaboration, recognition, and productivity; and (3) Influences of Gen Z's Talents: adaptability, technological savviness, and communication. From the findings, it can be understood that Gen Z employees nurture an energetic and inclusive work culture that balances innovation with tradition while fostering digital evolution. Their impact supports promotion of inclusivity and flexibility alongside inter-generational recognition. It was found that Generation Z profoundly stretches the boundaries of modernized government work culture. It suggests that Generation Z is needed in modernizing government work culture. It also recommends that government institutions should invest in inclusive policies and digital tools to support their workers in contributions and enhance overall workplace performance and engagement.