As Gen Z reshaped workplace norms, a new trend is emerging that some experts say is replacing “quiet quitting”: the strategic use of FMLA leave. According to a recent Forbes article, younger workers are increasingly leveraging the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to step away from roles that leave them feeling disengaged or burned out. 

FMLA provides eligible employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for family or medical reasons. While there’s no concrete data showing Gen Z takes the most leave, HR professionals have noted a rise in usage tied to mental health concerns among this group.

Jeff LeBlanc, a workplace expert, explains that Gen Z expects more than a paycheck—they seek psychological safety, fairness and work-life balance. 

This shift follows concerning findings from CNBC Workforce Survey: 47% of Gen Z workers report coasting at work, and 42% say they’re working solely for a paycheck. Compared to older generations, they are also more likely to consider quitting within a three-month span. 

Rather than dismiss this trend, leaders should see it as a wake-up call. Companies that embrace flexibility and empathy—through fair policies, supportive benefits and clear communication—are more likely to retain young talent. For Gen Z, FMLA isn’t about quitting—it’s about survival in a system that doesn’t always meet their needs.