Why other generations are afraid of Gen Z

Gen Z knows what they want, and they’re not afraid to take it. As a person of the Gen Z generation myself, I’m not sure this is always 100% accurate (who else spends 10 minutes trying to decide what to order at Moe’s?) But the point still stands. Other generations are, for lack of a better word, becoming afraid of the power we hold. So, what exactly do we know that millennials and Generation X don’t?

The power of work-life balance

Gen Z as a whole has been adamant about demolishing the idea that self-care is selfish. This is especially true of the mentality of the workplace, an environment where mental health can sometimes be sacrificed. Strict deadlines have to be met and that sense of professionalism has to be upheld. Gen Z is now asking the world what it doesn’t want to be asked: why do these ideas even exist? What’s the big idea with long working hours and virtually no time off? Where is the yin and yang of this whole situation?

These are the questions that are showing a generational gap. Although millennials made strives toward change when they entered the workforce, no one has gotten as far as Gen Z. Millennials may have introduced new ideas of work flexibility and attempted to craft work opportunities that appealed to their passion, but Gen Zers are going further. They’re not sticking to the norm, not following the standard working hours and often refusing to acknowledge workplace hierarchies. People of this generation aren’t hesitating to speak up against these seemingly random ideals and strict policies, and they are now asking their employers what they can do for their employees. 

But what does Gen Z want?

Better work and life balances, more sick days, the ability to “unplug” and take breaks from tech. These are the things Gen Z not only wants but is actually asking their employers for. This honesty actually comes as a shock to many managers and supervisors that aren’t used to the pushback against policy. So yes, Gen Z may be on our phone five hours a day, but it’s not because we’re shy. CEO of BlackRock Larry Fink said this assertive mentality is a good thing for both sides of the table, and companies that start to follow through on those requests will be better for it.

“Companies that deliver are reaping the rewards. Our research shows that companies who forged strong bonds with their employees have seen lower levels of turnover and higher returns through the pandemic,” Fink said.

Because of this mentality being introduced, more and more companies are actually attempting to create better work environments, ones where there is an emphasis on factors beyond pay, like the importance of feeling comfortable at work. In other words, employers are finally starting to think about their employees. Crazy, right?

What does this mean for the future?

Gen Z is paving a path toward change. Older generations may have set a precedent of what work is supposed to look like, but Gen Z is finally questioning that idea. Why stay for an eight-hour shift when you can get it done in two hours?

Well, contrary to popular belief, the key to success maybe isn’t working until you die, or at least fall asleep on your laptop. It’s simply working until you feel like the job is done. This doesn’t mean Gen Z is simply checking off the boxes and leaving when they’re done, too. There is a little world I like to call balance, and it’s something that some companies, hell-bent on putting profit over people, have tried to ignore for a long time. Gen Zers aren’t being lazy, they simply know when it’s time to walk away.

Emotional intelligence’s role in the workplace

Some researchers argue that Gen Z’s higher emotional intelligence may also play a part in this new movement.

In an interview with The New York Times, Emily Fletcher, 42, who runs Ziva Meditation, said of Gen Z, “They celebrate human emotion, instead of having an outdated framework of what corporate should be.” She said this after the youngest people at her corporate retreat were also the people that opened up the most to their peers. They shared personal stories and connected with their coworkers.

This behavior, in turn, made for a more open and relaxed work environment. This is proof that work doesn’t have to be dull, strict or hyper-focused, at least not all the time. It can be another part of normal life.

So, next time you feel scared to ask for a sick day, don’t. Be assertive in what you need, and don’t ask what you can do for your employer, ask what your employer can do for you.