Gen Z is refusing to follow many workplace rules. But, is that necessarily a bad thing?
You’ve heard it said that doing the same thing repeatedly is the exact definition of insanity. Well, if there were one saying that sums up an entire generation, it would be that one. Gen Z beats to a different drum altogether. And it’s paying off significantly, especially within the corporate world. They’re changing how we act, think, and approach work as a whole, leading to increased productivity and profitability.
Just look at how hybrid work has become the new norm for many employees, especially those in Generation Z. Many from this generation appreciate the flexibility and the opportunity to approach their workweek in a different way. Now, this isn’t to say that all Gen Z want to be able to come into the office twice a week while working from Cabo the other three days. However, a vast majority of them are enthralled with this setup, and it’s paying off incredibly well for companies.
This is just one example of how Generation Z challenges the status quo, and there are many more. But it would require an entire lifetime to fully dig into this topic. So, I’ve decided to focus on the top four ways that this generation is rewriting the workplace rules and explain why it benefits your business.
Strict 9-To-5 Schedules Are Forever Gone For Gen Z
The idea of working hourly just doesn’t compute for most in this generation. To them, being present within a building has little to do with completing the project. And I think they’re absolutely right.
For years, generations of workers were evaluated based on attendance, interaction, and presence in a cubicle. But, how much of that time in the office really equated to anything more than wasted hours?
Think about it: By switching to project-based evaluation instead of attendance, productivity and innovation are centric. And Gen Z has the freedom to work and live however they want, just as long as the job is finished and done well.
With hybrid work or full-on remote work, the measurement of success is not about their presence in the workplace. Because what matters most is how well they can complete the project. And if that can happen with little to no office time, then Gen Z is getting fully behind that idea. After all, this generation highly values work-life balance.
Always On, Always Working Is No Longer The Norm
Gen Z isn’t looking for ball pits in the foyer, beer on tap on the rooftop deck, or cereal bars in the break room. Unlike their workaholic millennial counterparts, Gen Z is highly emphatic about putting their foot down when it comes to clocking out and living life outside of their job.
This generation is unplugging their phones and closing their laptops at the end of the day. And because of that, Gen Z is able to bring their whole selves to the table refreshed and ready to roar on Monday morning. This is a significant game changer for the corporate sector, and it has been a learning curve that business leaders have had to adapt to. However, it’s paid off in dividends.
Gen Z’s focus on work-life balance has actually made them more productive employees. In turn, this has created workplace cultures that are bursting with creative, happy, and engaged team members. And it’s also, much like my third point, created corporate cultures that are much more casual than they were in years past.
Business Dress Code Is Evolving For Gen Z
When was the last time you saw a Gen Z employee wearing a full suit? My guess is, not often. This isn’t to say that some within this generation might thrive in more formal workplaces. In fact, there are entire TikTok and Instagram accounts dedicated to Gen Z workplace fashion that have a conservative and old-school spin.
However, for many, the freedom to come to work and express themselves through their clothing choices has been a significant shift within the workplace. Now, not everyone is happy with this change, especially when some Gen Z come into the office in athleisure, crop tops, and some even go so far as to wear pajamas.
The workplace dress code is changing, and Gen Z is leading this evolution. The shift from Casual Friday to Casual Everyday is now the norm. But it’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially since it doesn’t impact the bottom line.
Top-Down Communication Is No Longer Working
Millennials were among the first generations to question the norms of hierarchical management, but they certainly weren’t the last. Top-down leadership tends to function from an authoritarian and autocratic perspective. For instance, those who hold this type of leadership methodology typically make the majority of decisions, and employees beneath them are expected to implement those decisions willingly.
Now, there are many times when it’s imperative to use this top-down approach, especially when you have to make decisions quickly and taking a group consensus would be impractical. However, if you have the opportunity and the time to cultivate a workplace culture driven by lateral leadership, I encourage you to do so, especially if you have a significant number of Gen Z employees.
Unlike older generations, Gen Z doesn’t respond well to hierarchical boundaries that keep certain groups distanced from each other. This generation prides itself on being equitable and accessible, so they need a workplace where they can communicate openly and share their ideas from the outset.
I get it. This new form of dialogue, without a hierarchical structure, can feel strange, especially if you grew up with the idea that people should stay in their lane. However, I assure you that Gen Z’s primary purpose is to make your company incredible. That being said, don’t be surprised if they hit the ground running and share their ideas without waiting to hold a specific title to do so.
Now, if you’ve ever found it challenging to work with Gen Z, you’re not alone. In fact, according to a recent survey by ResumeBuilder.com, 74% of managers and business leaders have reported that they all find this specific generation more taxing than others. However, I’m left wondering: Is Gen Z more difficult, or are they simply different? And if you can understand and embrace those differences, then how will that impact your business? It’s my belief that once you get to know this generation and leverage their talents, the sky is the limit in terms of your success.