As a founder, I’ve had the unique opportunity to share work space with both Gen Z and Millennial employees. This experience has made me realize how these two generations can work together effectively, despite their differences.
One of the biggest challenges I face with Gen Z employees is that they have numerous opportunities at their fingertips, but when faced with pressure, they often get overwhelmed. Mental health concerns are particularly prominent for this generation, which is understandable. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between the stress that comes with work and an actual toxic environment that hampers mental well-being. Gen Z are heavily influenced by social media trends, which shape their perceptions. For instance, if ‘mental health struggles’ is a trending topic, they may feel as though they are experiencing the same, even if it’s not the case. This generation often faces difficulties with time management, which also leads to them getting overwhelmed. True maturity comes when they realise that not every day will be perfect, and both appreciation and pressure are part of any job. Finding a balance between these pressures and staying organised is essential for becoming a reliable and effective team member.
Millennials, in contrast, tend to have a more balanced view of work pressures. They understand that there will be highs and lows and that it’s essential to stay organised and manage their workload effectively. The healthy competition that was prevalent when I was an employee seems to be missing in this generation. However, I’ve found that regular communication and empathy can bridge this gap.
Initially, I used to feel like taking my team out for dinners, lunches, and parties is a great way to connect with them and hear their challenges, but those turned out to only be temporary fixes! The real solution lies in regular conversations, allowing every employee, be it Gen Z or millennial, to express themselves and address their concerns in the most comforting way possible. Sharing my experiences and how I handled similar situations when I was their age has proven to be effective.
To leverage the strengths of both generations, I’ve adopted a mentoring approach. For instance, when someone excels in their role, I pair them with a colleague they can mentor. This not only fosters skill development but also allows them the space to grow by taking on new challenges. Continuously advancing to higher skill sets and roles keeps them motivated and productive.
Work-life balance is another area where Millennials and Gen Z differ significantly. As a Millennial, my approach has always been to work hard now to achieve a stage where I can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle later. This often means putting in long hours initially. However, Gen Z values work-life balance from the start. They prefer to work a set number of hours and enjoy their time off, rather than sacrificing their present for future gains.
Working in tandem Gen Z and MILLENNIALS
The secret lies in communication and being empathetic. I make sure I connect with my team regularly, whether interns, executives, or senior-level resources. This helps me empathise with their challenges and also provides them a platform to voice their concerns. I encourage my senior leadership team to do the same.
The two generations can thus clearly understand each other when fostering an open communication environment. This would translate to more powerful relations as well as stronger teamwork because they know each other very well. It’s all generally about building relationships and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
While there are distinct differences between Gen Z and Millennials, these can be bridged by leveraging each generation’s strengths. By doing so, we can create a harmonious and productive workplace where both generations thrive.
