While the Chinese born in the late 1980s or 1990s are often stereotyped as "irresponsible, self-centered, spoiled, rebellious, picky, and lazy," I think it is necessary to say a few words in their defense.

What worries the post-1990s generation most at work are the usual concerns of salary, insurance, benefits, perks, and promotion. These are the same things that worry their elders.

But are these demands justified or not? Surveys show that the average starting salary the post-1980s generation requests is 1,800 yuan ($283.5), while the figure for the post-1990s is 3,000 yuan.

Yet, the seemingly big gap reflects the reality of inflation in China over the last decade in everything from labor costs to housing to everyday goods.

When it comes to the question of paid leave, the central government has made it clear in its official documents that employees are entitled to paid vacations. But in reality, vacations are more often than not turned into working days by the management.

There is no denying that the post-1990s generation has its own problems, but why do some employers refuse to accept their justified requests? Don't they need to reflect over why they cannot keep the youths or place them in better position in their businesses?

Today, the labor force market still has an imbalance of supply and demand, with the power in the hands of employers and the job seekers vulnerable. Executives complain about "employee loyalty" while failing to do anything to justify that demand.

Taking advantage of the unsymmetrical information, employers dodge the demand of employees for pay rises and other benefits, while employees are required to obey the employers unconditionally. No wonder people change jobs if they see a better chance.

In my opinion, it is not that the post-1990s generation changes jobs frequently because they do not care, but that they want a job with dignity.

We should not be surprised by their straightforward concerns about the proper treatment they should receive from the employers, which have arisen naturally as the outcome of a maturing market economy.

Growing up with the fast economic development in China, the post-1990s generation is more enthusiastic than their parents and siblings about pursuing the integration of personal worth and social value, and achieving a balance between life and career.

What they think and do embodies social progress, and adds pressure for the improvement of the work environment in China.

Zhang Xiaoyan, a teacher at the Guangxi Vocational and Technical College of Communications