Gen Z in the workplace: Tips for working with younger employees
Generation Z, more commonly known as Gen Z, includes anyone born between 1997 and 2013. While some Gen Zers have yet to start working, many have now spent several years in the workforce. If you work with younger employees, it's worth knowing more about their professional goals and priorities, so you can establish positive working relationships with them. This guide will provide an overview of Gen Z in the workplace, including some tips for working with members of this generation.
Gen Z characteristics in the workplace
With more and more Gen Zers entering the workforce every day, it's likely you already work with some — or maybe you are one yourself. Here are some common characteristics of Gen Z in the workplace:
They're digital natives
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up using modern technology from a young age. They've never experienced a time before the internet, and most of them have had access to cellphones since childhood. As the first true digital natives, they're intimately familiar with using these tools, and they're able to grasp new technologies quickly.
They want connections
Even though they're used to digital communication, Gen Zers value human connection, especially at work. They want to form bonds with their co-workers and get feedback from their managers. They enjoy socializing with others in the office and view this interaction as a major perk of their jobs.
They value work-life balance
Gen Zers don't want to have jobs that are all work and no play. While they work hard, they value their time away from the workplace just as much. They want to find fulfillment in both their personal and professional endeavors.
They prioritize their mental health
As mental health becomes less stigmatized, Gen Zers have made it a priority in their lives. According to a recent survey, 82% of Gen Z employees want mental health days to rest and recharge. In addition, about half of them would like to receive mental health training and resources at work.
They're comfortable with change
Gen Zers have already witnessed an incredible amount of change, and they've learned how to adapt. During the Great Resignation, many took risks to leave jobs that didn't align with their goals and values. They're also entrepreneurial, and many Gen Zers have a side hustle, own their own business, or want to work for themselves one day.
What does Gen Z want in the workplace?
In general, Gen Z employees have a lot of the same needs and wants as older members of the workforce. A recent study by Deloitte Digital found that Gen Zers share many priorities with their bosses, but there are also some notable differences. Specifically, the research showed that Gen Z:
- Values empathy: Gen Zers say they want to be known as people, not simply as employees.
- Wants support for mental health: They want to maintain a healthy workload without feeling overwhelmed.
- Questions work as part of their personal identity: Compared to other generations, Gen Z places less emphasis on work as part of their overall personal identity.
Gen Z has the potential to change the future of the workplace as they strive for more empathetic connections, better work-life balance, and a separation of work and personal identity.
Tips for working with Gen Z in the workplace
If you're a millennial, Gen Xer, or baby boomer, you might have some questions about working with your Gen Z teammates. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Include them in conversations
It can be easy for older employees to assume they won't have much in common, if anything, with younger workers. That's rarely true. Chat with the Gen Zers on your team to learn more about their goals, interests, and hobbies. Ask them questions about their lives outside work to create team camaraderie. They'll appreciate that you're striving to connect with them.
Learn their preferred communication style
If you work directly with a Gen Zer, don't assume they only want to communicate via email or messaging apps. Instead, learn their preferred communication style. Do they respond quickly to emails, or are they more likely to walk over to your desk to discuss the issue? Pay attention to how they choose to communicate with you and other team members. When possible, use their preferred style to communicate with your younger co-workers.
Avoid workplace jargon
If you've been puzzled by Gen Z terms like "GOAT" and "boujee," you might be surprised to know that some terms you use might be just as confusing to younger employees. Using workplace jargon can often lead to miscommunication and frustration among team members who don't understand its meaning. Here are some examples of workplace jargon that might mean something different to Gen Zers:
- Moving forward
- Circle back
- Touch base
- Low-hanging fruit
- Out of pocket
- Move the needle
Offer mentorship
Gen Zers genuinely want to learn and grow in their careers. They have big goals, and like many young people, they're not always sure how to accomplish them. If you have the capacity to serve as a mentor, consider passing down the wisdom you've learned throughout your career to the next generation. Volunteer for your company's mentorship program if it has one, or simply ask a younger co-worker if they'd like to have coffee and talk about their career goals with you.
"Gen Zers genuinely want to learn and grow in their careers. They have big goals, and like many young people, they're not always sure how to accomplish them."
Don't be a parent
While you can be a mentor to a Gen Z team member, don't go so far as to act like a parent. Respect your younger co-workers and know the boundaries of the workplace. Refrain from asking overly personal questions or sharing too much about your own life. When in doubt, it's best to keep your relationships with younger co-workers strictly professional.
Be careful of stereotypes
It's easy to talk about Gen Z — or millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers — as a collective group, but be careful not to paint an entire generation with a broad brush. Every person is different and unique, so don't assume you know a Gen Zer's values, work ethic, and goals before you get to know them. Avoid stereotyping the younger people on your team, and take the time to get to know each one as an individual.
Accept their differences
The office would be a boring place if all employees had the same beliefs, values, and ideas. Embrace the younger co-workers on your team and accept their differences. Strike up a conversation with a Gen Zer in the break room or join them for lunch one day. Ask them about their work or share a funny meme you found on social media. You'll form connections with the Gen Zers you work with, and you might even find some new friends.
As a new generation enters the workplace, it's common to have questions about how they work and what they want. Knowing more about Generation Z can help you get along with the younger employees in your workplace. By being friendly and accepting, you can lead the way in creating a positive, productive work culture where all team members are valued.
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