Gen Z Has Basically Zero Patience For 10 Things Their Millennial & Gen X Co-Workers Do Often
MAYA LAB | Shutterstock With Gen Z making its mark in the workforce, it's unsurprising that they have some gripes about their older colleagues. They've faced plenty of criticism, so it stands to reason they might start dishing some back.
At this point in their careers, Gen X and millennial workers have a particular way of doing things. That doesn't make it the right way, but it's standard practice. Gen Zers are ready to write their own workplace norms, and they're starting with a wishlist of behaviors from older co-workers they want to put an end to.
Workplace behaviors Gen Zers have no patience for that their Gen X and millennial co-workers do regularly:
1. Dismissing their mental health
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One thing Gen Z employees wish their Gen X and millennial co-workers would stop doing is dismissing their mental health. Many people in older generations think Gen Z is too sensitive, that they don't know how to deal with their own problems, and that they're constantly anxious. In some respects, those who think that way are right. A 2018 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that Gen Z is more likely to be anxious and depressed.
It's important for Gen Z's mental health issues to be acknowledged. The Mental Health Foundation noted that poor mental health leads to poor motivation, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, digestive problems, and so much more. Dismissing mental health concerns and chalking them up to hypersensitivity will only lead to increasing declines and poor performance in the workforce.
2. Resisting change
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The ideas and methods Gen Zers bring to the workforce often differ from what Gen Xers and millennials are used to. Being open to those differences and learning to adjust is key to creating harmony and prosperity in the office.
One study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that openness is a key component in group dynamics. Both openness and mutuality are needed for decision-making. The authors of the study defined mutuality as shared goals and openness as the ability to engage in frank discussion. Researchers found that a balance between the two is important in creating the best group learning environment.
If Gen X and millennials want to have a great work environment, they should embrace change. It's important to understand that shying away from change will hurt everyone, not just Gen Z.
3. Promoting toxic work culture
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Expecting Gen Z to grind hard and hustle after hours is a toxic work practice that must be stopped. It shouldn't need to be said, but Gen Z is already hustling as it is.
ADP Research Institute's People at Work 2023 report found that 18- to 24-year-olds are putting in an extra eight hours and 30 minutes of unpaid overtime.
Pressuring them to go above and beyond what they already do will only make things worse. Older colleagues should be more considerate of their time and stop pressuring these young people to do more than they already do.
4. Disregarding the need for work-life balance
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Another thing Gen Z has zero patience for that Gen X and millennial co-workers think is normal is disregarding their need for work-life balance.
A study published in the Kansas Journal of Medicine found that increased stress leads to lower work productivity. This was especially true for overall work satisfaction.
So, if Gen X and millennials want to increase work productivity, it's best to make a good work-life balance a standard workplace practice. It's good for everyone.
5. Not taking their ideas seriously simply because of their age
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The older generation must understand that Gen Z needs to feel appreciated and heard. Like anyone else, feeling rejected stings and never goes away.
A study published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience found that real, anticipated, or imagined rejection leads to feelings of hurt, jealousy, shame, guilt, social anxiety, and embarrassment. With this in mind, it wouldn't be surprising if Gen Z has a hard time opening up to their co-workers since they now fear rejection.
So, avoid this complicated mess and be open and willing to take their ideas into consideration. And who knows, their ideas might just bring more traction.
6. Rejecting remote or hybrid work
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Another thing Gen Z wishes Gen X and millennial co-workers would stop doing is refusing to allow for remote or hybrid work.
Concerns about remote work are understandable. Employers may fear employees will slack off and get nothing done. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. The New Jersey Institute of Technology Human Resources noted that remote and flexible schedules provide employees with better job satisfaction, increased health, work-life balance, and less stress. Moreover, they say productivity levels actually increase while turnover rates decrease.
So, if you're a Gen X or millennial employer, consider switching to hybrid! It'll likely save the company tons of money in the end.
7. Using corporate jargon
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Gen Z can't stand the hyper-professional tone they encounter at work.
Clear communication is essential for Gen Z to understand what their co-workers and employers want. Gleb Tsipursky, CEO of the future-of-work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts, noted that unclear communication robs teams of focus and dilutes the quality of their output.
This is why Gen X and millennials should do their best to keep it real with Gen Z. Not only will it help them understand each other better, but it will increase their respect for them as well.
8. Focusing too much on dress code
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This doesn't mean companies shouldn't have a dress code. Looking professional and put together is important. But when older generations start hyper-focusing on skirt length, Gen Z employees get uncomfortable.
If someone looks presentable and appropriate, it shouldn't matter whether their skirt or dress reaches their fingertips, and honestly, it's pretty strange. Unfortunately, some strict, outdated dress code standards are still prevalent today. This is problematic, as a study published in the International Journal of Educational Research found that dress codes may normalize misogyny, transphobia, and racism, as these dress codes only adhere to specific societal norms.
9. Encouraging competition over collaboration
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While some competition can be healthy and beneficial in the workplace, it can easily become a recipe for disaster. Just because this has been the norm for so long doesn't mean it should continue.
To avoid this, older generations should mentor Gen Z. Train them and be positive. Always be encouraging and never belittle their accomplishments. Though these actions are small, older generations can help the workplace flourish as Gen Z grows more optimistic and helpful.
10. Using the thumbs up emoji
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Gen Z doesn't like people who use the thumbs-up emoji because it can come off as passive-aggressive. Gen Z will assume that their employers are so annoyed that they can't even be bothered to send a proper response.
Not only that, but using the thumbs-up emoji is a bit out of style.
A Daily Mail survey found that, out of 2000 participants aged 16-24, the thumbs-up emoji was typically used by older people.
To avoid these awkward misunderstandings (and stay up to date), it's best to respond properly with a simple yes. It'll save everyone the confusion and embarrassment.
Marielisa Reyes is a writer with a bachelor's degree in psychology who covers self-help, relationships, career, family, and astrology topics.
