It’s clear that Gen Z workers believe authenticity is more important than formality at work. What’s more, workplace trends that exploded during the pandemic (i.e., flexible scheduling, working in your sweatpants) have caused a headache for employers and older workers as they face evolving or unclear office expectations.
So how do we bridge the gap?
Arden Clise, founder of Clise Etiquette and author of Spinach in Your Boss’s Teeth: Essential Etiquette for Professional Success, has ideas for minimizing the generational divide. She spoke with b. about what employers and employees can do.
b. What challenges do younger employees face in navigating traditional workplace norms?
Clise: Many of today’s grads had the disadvantage of experiencing the pandemic isolation, and that has led to younger employees lacking some interpersonal skills and understanding of how to conduct themselves professionally. … [They] should seek out resources such as books, individual coaching, or classes. They can also ask for mentoring from a professor, employer, or colleague to help them learn the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
b. Do older, more traditional bosses need to loosen up?
Clise: There needs to be an understanding of generational differences and that your way is not necessarily the better way. Employers need to see that people are not trying to be difficult; they are simply different, and differences can bring unique and valuable perspectives to the workplace.
I would suggest older-generation managers … try to accommodate [young workers’] needs and ways of working. This will lead to less friction, more harmony and productivity…
b. What else can each group learn from the other to create a harmonious workplace culture?
Clise: Older generations may value the stability of working for one company and putting in their time before expecting raises and promotions, whereas younger generations may value flexibility in their work, being recognized for their efforts, and doing work that is meaningful. Professionalism and formalities are typically important to older generations, whereas teamwork, collaboration and being your authentic self may be more important to younger generations.
Companies need to decide what their values and brand are. If they are … in a more formal industry, it might be important for there to be some stricter guidelines about a professional dress code, communication norms (“hello” vs. “hey,” email vs. text) and work hours. But, it’s always possible to build in some flexibility to meet the wants and needs of the various generations.
Perhaps they have a casual Friday dress code or allow flexible work schedules two days a week or have a group volunteer day once a month … but that doesn’t mean there are no boundaries and no expectations.
