Meh, it could be that, some at least, know exactly what hard work is, but they have discovered that there is no additional reward for it nowadays. Why work overtime when your boss is going to forego even a cost of living raise again next year and say “it’s the economy”? That’s not a hard worker, that’s a sucker.
When I started my first real job I made sure to come in first, work more hours than anyone and strive for perfection in my work. Managers would fight over having me on their projects.
Then I got the same raise as anyone above average. My boss said it’s to prevent jealousy within the team and upper management looks down upon any raises far above average. I later learned it was almost impossible to be promoted due to the same issues. After that I only worked just slightly harder than my closest competition. Why bother?
Also remember that back then it was possible to be upper-middle class and save a good amount for retirement with an average white-collar job. I bought my first home at 23 (in NYC!). Today we have kids working their a**es off doing the same thing I did who can’t even afford the smallest home due to sky-high expenses. Sometimes even with two incomes. Eventually they’ll realize “Why bother working your a** off for a small apartment and crappy food when the government will give it to you for free?”