GEN Z HAS A NEW SITUATIONSHIP IN THEIR LIVES: THEIR JOB. HOW DOES THAT AFFECT THE WORKPLACE AND OTHER EMPLOYEES?

How to maintain workplace harmony amongst Gen Z and older generations (Source: Pexels)

Anjali Chandak is just 8 months old -- at least when it comes to her work experience. But the 22-year-old media professional confessed her job already resembles a "half-hearted situationship." Some days, Chandak feels like she is "simply going through the motions, lacking the enthusiasm to invest her heart and soul." This might have dampened Chandak's spirit but not her professionalism, though she'd like to be a party to "occasional rewards."

21-year-old Anisha Gupta agreed, saying her workplace feels like a "strained relationship." Gupta said she would like to be a part of a workplace that offers "smaller things that are important for me. Things like employee recognition programs, perks and amenities like good coffee, fun Fridays, or parking space."

These Gen Zers are not alone. Forget the corner office and the gold watch. Gen Z, the generation born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, is entering the workforce with a new set of priorities.

A 2022 report by ThoughtExchange, a platform focused on reducing bias in management discussions, shed light on the youngest generation entering the workforce. The report revealed a significant trend: 96% of respondents emphasised the importance of feeling valued, included, and empowered at work. Additionally, 79% prioritised having a manager who invests in their personal growth alongside their professional development.

Unlike their predecessors who may have prioritised stability and climbing the corporate ladder, Gen Z values purpose, flexibility, and work-life balance. "There is a tectonic shift from the “hustle culture”, the millennials and generations before had to bear the brunt of. GenZs are rewriting the rule book by demanding flexibility, autonomy, and transparency," said Krishna Priya, Head of People – India, Branch International.

This shift has major implications for businesses, forcing them to adapt to a new set of employee expectations. (Source: Pexels)

How is Gen Z different? Why?

According to Pranay Prakash, CHRO, Baazi Games, this is because Gen Z's exposure to a number of life-changing events, like the pandemic, has made their approach more nuanced.

"Every action, every post, every comment, and every reshare has a thought behind it. This depth of reasoning is reflected in their relationship with work, as well. With personal growth as a key motivator, they expect to receive more than just fair compensation. They are still at the grassroots level of corporate culture and are willing to absorb more information, regardless of the source being millennials, Gen X, or older generations," Prakash said in an interaction with indianexpress.com.

A 2023 survey by Deloitte of Gen Z and millennials across 44 countries, reveals that despite progress made by employers in enabling better work life balance and flexibility, concerns remain among the younger workforces.

Charvi Khurana, 22-year-old PR specialist, exemplifies this new way of thinking. "If your job doesn't give you freedom, it becomes burdensome and one will naturally lack interest."

Parveen Shaikh, senior psychologist and vice president -- Operations, Mpower, noted Gen Z's prioritisation of mental health and "vibe" is positive, saying it can lead to "a more engaged and fulfilled workforce. Gen Z now prioritises the experiences they gather along the way, being more comfortable in their skin and having strong foundations at home. Their main objective is to gain rich experiences from the time they invest. This shift towards experiences and learning has made them more aware of mental health."

This shift has major implications for businesses, forcing them to adapt to a new set of employee expectations. This is bound to create some friction between the older generations and Gen Z. Dr Harini Atturu, consultant - psychiatry, CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad, advised leveraging their respective strengths and adapting to each other's working styles. Here's a more thorough understanding of how all generations can co-exist peacefully in the workplace. 

Fostering a culture with opportunities for senior-agnostic mentorship and flexible work arrangements can create common ground. (Source: Pexels)

How to maintain workplace harmony amongst Gen Z and older generations

Harnessing the Power of Differences

As Prakash, CHRO of Baazi Games, pointed out, diverse perspectives are a double-edged sword. They can lead to conflict, but also to improved decision-making. The key lies in recognising that each generation brings something valuable to the table. Millennials, situated between Gen Z and older generations, can act as bridge builders. Their experience can provide guidance and stability to Gen Z, while their openness can foster collaboration.

Mutual respect and understanding

Honey Gudh, ICF Certified Life Coach, Head Coach Trainer, and Co-Founder of Cocoweave Coaching International, emphasised the importance of mutual respect. Older generations possess a wealth of experience and knowledge, while Gen Z brings fresh ideas and tech-savviness. Creating a platform for open communication and collaboration allows for this understanding to flourish.

As Priya, Head of People at Branch International, suggested, fostering a culture with opportunities for senior-agnostic mentorship and flexible work arrangements can create common ground.

Building a culture of teamwork

Respecting differences is the foundation for a harmonious workplace. Ankit Dangi, HR Head at SMAAASH, emphasised practices like establishing clear communication lines and encouraging teamwork to prevent conflict.

Open communication fosters mutual appreciation of each other's strengths, Lokesh Nigam, Co-founder of Konverz.ai, suggested..

Strategies for Peaceful Coexistence

Nigam also provides actionable strategies for a multi-generational workplace:

Open-mindedness and Mutual Respect: Both generations should approach each other with open minds, valuing each other's contributions.

Promote Collaboration: Working together on projects allows teams to benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences.

Challenge Generational Biases: Address misconceptions about different generations and encourage a focus on individual strengths, not age.

The Road to Success

"The two generations may coexist amicably. There might be a lot of learning," said Dr Bhavya Vankar, director, Quantum CorpHealth, noting how Gen Z teaches us to accept technology, never stop learning, have a wider perspective, and become more involved in society. On the other hand, the older generation can teach youngsters valuable lessons about things like being financially literate, steady, clear, and having a measured approach.

By embracing these strategies, companies can create a truly multi-generational workplace where experience meets innovation. This collaborative environment fosters mutual respect and understanding, leading to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and ultimately, a thriving organization.

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2024-05-01T12:20:49Z dg43tfdfdgfd