Bridging the Generational Gap: Millennials and Gen Z Reshaping Work Culture
While millennials continue to rise through the ranks, a new generation, Gen Z, has entered the workforce. With both generations possessing different characteristics and expectations, there is a constant comparison between the two. As one of those kids born between the era of scrunchies and Tamagotchis, otherwise referred to as “a Millennial”, we are now considered the largest demographic in the workforce – making up approximately 35%.
Despite what old-timers might say, us millennials are not just all avocado-on-toast and selfies, we’ve got some pretty impressive skills up our sleeves. We’re tech-savvy – I mean, have you ever seen someone from our generation who can’t figure out how to use the latest social-networking app?
Millennials are all about making a positive impact on the world, and who doesn’t love that? They’re not content with just clocking in and out every day – they want to know that their work is actually making a difference. Sure, sometimes they might get a reputation for being a tad entitled, but maybe it’s just because they know what they want and they’re not afraid to ask for it. Work-life balance? Flexibility? Transparency in the workplace? Who doesn’t want those things!
This is why many of us millennials seek out companies that align with those values and offer opportunities for growth and personal development. We might be a bit different from the generations that precede us, but that’s not necessarily a negative thing. In fact, it might just be what we need to shake things up a bit and make some positive changes in the workplace.
But before we start waving the white flag, let’s take a closer look at how the gap is bridged between both generations, and what both Millennials and Gen Z groups have in common – namely their love of video storytelling and their mutual desire for a workplace that is innovative, flexible, and inclusive, as well as an atmosphere that allows for growth. You’ll even often find both groups spending their free time scrolling through Instagram, binging content on TikTok, or most recently Thread-ing.
Since millennials have been lately demanding a work-life balance, which is just a fancy way of saying they want to live their lives instead of being workaholics, Gen Zs on the other hand, are true digital natives and crave face-to-face connections just as much as they love their virtual ones. They value a diverse workplace, and 65% of them see it as an essential requirement.
Mental health is also a hot topic for Gen Z, as they’re not willing to suffer in silence, unlike what we Millennials have had to deal with at the start of our careers. They want a workplace culture that supports their well-being, and frankly we can’t blame them. Let’s face it, gone are the days where working in a “toxic” environment is tolerated.
As someone who’s worked with professionals from the Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z generations, I believe that the key to managing a successful team is to acknowledge and embrace their differences. Each generation brings its unique perspective, experience, and skill set. The workplace is now seen as an opportunity to bring diverse outlooks together. By acknowledging and embracing the differences between millennials and Gen Z, employers can create a positive and productive work environment that benefits all employees.
In short, the generational divide in the workplace may seem like a big deal, but it turns out that millennials and Gen Zers have more in common than we thought. And just like that, us Millennials who want to be understood by Gen X, we have to make an effort to understand the Gen Z generation. Employers should take the initiative to understand the different values and work styles of each generation and create a work environment that caters to both. Offering flexible working arrangements, training opportunities, and an inclusive workplace culture can help organizations to create a positive work environment that appeals to all generations.
An op-ed by Dana Oraibi, Senior Communications Manager at Coffee Communications
