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It’s as well we have Love Island, otherwise the aging millennial may not understand anything the Gen Z’s say or mean. You have noise on both sides, ‘the next generation is the future and must be embraced at all costs’ juxtaposed with recent statistics that employers are already regretting and reducing their Gen Z hires due to lateness and an inability to keep on top of the workload among other gaps in traditional expectations in the workplace. However, it wasn’t too long ago that the stereotype of entitled, lazy, ‘snowflake’ millennials took the headlines – is the reality there is always a gap between the next generation entering the workplace?
We got two of our best straight talkers, our Creative Services Director, Aisling, and our Junior Digital Producer, Christina, to take on some Mr and Mrs Style questions to uncover, do some of these stereotypes ring true, and which of these differences can make us stronger and how can we bridge the gap to get an effectively well mixed workplace.
Technology – ‘You Grew up with Duffy Buffy’
The difference between a generation that grew up in the digital world, and the generations that remember it’s birth via dial up. There is a lot of potential to unlock via Gen Z on how to embrace technology, rethink processes or the accepted standards of Word and Excel to do business. Using AI is native to their thought process to aid their work. Networking via Tiktok is second nature. The thought of a digital networking event is somewhat appealing. And the idea of a digital detox is laughable (for now).
Most coffee breaks during the day – ‘And I don’t even drink coffee’
Entering the world of work is a big shift in any persons life, as would going back to school for someone who has been out of it for a while. More likely to be late, more likely to be distracted by scrolling on their phone, more likely to have their camera off, more likely to ghost an employer after an interview, less likely to work over lunch or after hours – perhaps, but less responsibility too, for now. However, Gen Z is more likely to have several different revenue streams and this entrepreneurial spirit is a core strength that businesses can leverage given the right direction. So, as they step into the world of work, perhaps instead of being frustrated by these gaps, there is more need for direct guidance to unlock the potential and create space for their ideas and perspectives.
‘Our similarities bring us to common ground, our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other’ – Tom Robbins.
Workplace Attracts Like-Minded Individuals – ‘I don’t do slow’, ‘I don’t do slow either’
As with most stereotypes, it’s not the be all and end all, and actually the type of workplace or culture can draw likeminded individuals across the generation gap. And during this game, there were tons of things in common or where they called it a draw. ‘Most likely to give direct feedback to their boss’ – if you embrace a culture where openness is encouraged you’ll find traits like this cross generational gaps. Both value casual dress in the office, job security, fun work environment and working on multiple clients rather than one. The vibrancy and pace of an agency should, and does, attract like minds.
Recent research highlighted in The Guardian found, ‘Work/life balance has emerged as the top priority for employees globally, surpassing salary for the first time in 22 years’.
And this played out for both Gen Z and Millennial generations:
- Would embrace a 4 day work week
- Most likely to have a job they love that pays less than a boring job
- Most likely to quit a toxic workplace or manager
- Most likely to push back on unrealistic client demands
Their statistics found that:
- 83% value job security
- 82% prioritise pay
- 74% of Gen Z prioritise work-life over pay.
The Language Gap – ‘All facts no printing’
Millennials reply with GIFs, Gen Z react with emojis, and another thing can’t be denied, nothing can be more aging than not having a clue what the other person is saying. And with Gen Z comfortably using slang in work comms, there is a language barrier that needs bridged. No caps (no lies). However, language is always evolving and to understand Gen Z as an audience you need to understand them as a colleague, so embrace the confusion and introduce some new words to your scrabble board.
While there may be gaps in understanding and expectation, none of it is unsurmountable and the pots of unique potential in this generation to enhance a workforce are unquestionable. Patience and openness to change will be required to get the best.
Dead them off at your own cost.
