GENERATIONAL STEREOTYPES

Manilka Ediriweera explains why it isn’t wise to typecast Gen Z employees

Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z has become the new target for workplace stereotypes. Plenty has been written about them with headlines blaring about their tech dependence, job hopping culture and poor work ethic.

In fact, employers are lamenting that this new generation is difficult to manage, lacks work ethic and has poor communication skills.

But here’s the thing: this phenomenon isn’t new!

Every generation faces its share of stereotypes and generalisations. Previously, it was the boomers and their resistance to change; then came the entitled millennials. And now it’s Gen Z’s turn…

There’s no denying the negativity surrounding Gen Z in the workplace. Perhaps it’s because they challenge the status quo more than their predecessors did. They crave work-life balance, social responsibility and a work culture that aligns with their values.

Well, who wouldn’t? But for Gen Z, these aren’t merely buzzwords or trends – they’re deal breakers.

This shift in priorities and attitudes may ruffle some feathers but it doesn’t make them bad employees. They’re a pragmatic, purpose driven and resourceful bunch, who are shaped by a landscape marked by a pandemic, political unrest, and climate and economic crises.

By 2025, Gen Z will account for a large component of the workforce. So shunning them by stereotyping is a recipe for disaster. It’s time to understand them and unlock their potential to shape the future of business.

Given the right opportunities, Gen Z will be a force for innovation by breaking down traditional silos and making their mark. Here are some of the most common issues with Gen Z in the workplace.

DISLIKE WORK For Gen Z, work is a part of their lives but not their whole lives. That’s why they crave work-life balance and you might see them clocking out at 5 p.m. on the dot.

However, this doesn’t mean that they’re lazy or hate work. They are about crushing goals and progressing in their careers, but refuse to do it at the expense of their mental health and wellbeing.

It may not be easy for everyone to accept this attitude towards work. They simply want to work on different terms; and the key here is to respect their boundaries and focus on the results they deliver instead of the hours they put in.

The solution is to offer a range of flexible opportunities from which they can choose.

MONEY MINDED We all know this stereotype, which claims that Gen Z only cares about big paycheques. But that’s not the whole story.

Gen Z definitely values fair compensation. And who wouldn’t value this, given the challenging economic environment, spiralling cost of living and other issues that affect us all?

But they’re not asking for the moon. They simply want salary transparency and to be valued. In fact, wage transparency is one of their greatest motivators when applying for a job.

This doesn’t make them obsessed with money. They’re simply smart and savvy, and know their worth and what they bring to the table. So employers, it’s time to take note and be transparent about pay levels.

REMOTE WORK Gen Z doesn’t necessarily want to come into the office. Thanks to the pandemic, many Gen Zs entered the workforce remotely… and guess what? Many like the idea!

Remote work offers flexibility, which is a major win for their work-life balance. It also enables them to focus and get things done efficiently without unwanted distractions although some may argue against this.

However, this also doesn’t mean that Gen Z is only about working from home forever because they prefer in-person work too. Nevertheless, they crave autonomy and a work environment that fits their needs – possibly through a hybrid model.

EXPECTATIONS The stereotype says that Gen Z only cares about their salary. That’s not true because this generation is all about making a difference.

For this group of politically progressive and socially conscious individuals, a company’s mission and values are a big deal. They want to work for a brand that champions diversity, equity and inclusion without simply talking about it. They would easily give up their jobs in a company if its values don’t align closely with theirs.

So business leaders, listen up!

Be transparent about your company’s culture and values, and embrace the desire to drive change. You will attract top talent that’s passionate about making a difference.

The bottom line is that Gen Z is entering the workplace with different styles, demands and ideals. While it is easy to perceive these as ‘Gen Z problems’ in the workplace, it’s not necessarily bad. What’s important is to recognise and understand the ‘why?’ behind these preferences.

These stereotypes will only remain problematic if we keep holding on to traditions. So embrace the skills, perspectives and fresh ideas they bring… and watch as your business takes flight.