The Generational Battle Continues
Written by LS Financial Blogger, Lawrence Gonzalez aka the Financial Therapist
The Previous Generations
For years, the work place was largely run by Baby Boomers and 90s new kids aka the Gen-Xers. As Baby Boomers prepare to retire in the next 5-10 years, younger workers are pouring into their spaces. Let’s be honest, everyone ignores Gen Xers even Gen X, so we aren’t going to buck the trend. Notably, Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen-Zers (born in 1996 and 2009) are drastically different from their counter parts.
The New Kids on the Digital Block
45% of Millennials say they plan to resign from their current job. Come to think of it, they are always threatening to leave, but I’m guessing they don’t have anywhere to go. This is a far cry from the quiet lifers who rarely shifted companies while Millennials can’t seem to hold one for more than three years. On the other hand, Gen Zs are brutal. Growing up in an era of all things digital and being constantly connect to the web, they fight unprovoked.
“I had three run-ins with Gen Zs – yeah we are in for it.” Lawrence Gonzalez. “Maybe that’s how Boomers saw Millennials.”
On average, “Gen Zers are less likely to have tried alcohol, gotten their driver’s licenses, had sex or gone out regularly without their parents than teens of the previous two or three generations.” Remy Blumenfeld, Forbes Leadership Strategist.
Gen Zers tended to choose isolated silos with less tolerance for anyone outside their field of vision.
From the way #cancelculture has proliferated, they are foaming at the mouth for the next person to hate or challenge.
What does that mean for the work place?
1. Be very clear about your values
Consistency is key. Know your company’s mission and vision verbatim if need be. Be firm about it.
2. Don’t apologize for your principles
Secondly, invite the opportunity to be questioned and challenged.
Furthermore, set the tone as soon as possible. There is no “I” in team.
3. Screen out crazy people early
Check applicants’ social media feeds, they might be crazy and zealous. You really don’t want the toxicity.
Conclusion
The next generation is drastically different and they aren’t easy to deal with. Not by a long shot. In the end, don’t tell them that I warned you. I’m an older millennial that doesn’t want to get #canceled.
