Gen Z and Millennials
Taking a look at this article, we will review some of the key similarities and differences between Millennials and Gen Z.
1. Want to Know and Feel That Their Workplace is Working for a Higher Good
Whether it is a millennial or a Gen Z, they both have a strong set of values. They want to know that whatever they are doing every day from 9 am to 5 pm is contributing to a higher purpose. That the hours invested in office has a positive social and/or environmental impact.
2. Technology Makes Life Easier
Both generations are comfortable with using technology. If some part of the business can be replaced by technology (such as digitizing daily operations, processing vacation requests, attendance, or others). Digitizing some parts of the businesses will make things comfortable and easy for both millennials and Gen Z. However, make sure not to substitute human interaction, as it is vital for both generations as well.
3. Constant Communication and Feedback
Both generations value feedback. Therefore, make sure you set up a clear system that offers regular feedback with clear expectations.
4. Appreciation
Anyone who works hard wants to know they have done a good job. Make sure you motivate both generations; it makes a huge difference when they know they are contributing to achieving organizational goals in a way that is valued by management. You can develop a reward and recognition program with HR to make sure they are continually appreciated.
Above are the similarities, now let’s take a look at the differences!
1. Approach to Jobs and Careers
While millennials approach jobs of high flexibility, to an extent that they have been named “job hoppers”, Gen Z values job stability as they have witnessed some of the hardest recessions.
2. Approach to Work
Millennials value work-life balance. They are ready to work for less money provided the job offers flexible hours which allows them to spend more time at the gym or with family and friends. Gen Z, on the other hand, is more financially focused, and cares about a well-defined career path.
3. Approach to Communication
Although both generations appreciate interaction and communication, when it comes to digital communication, Millennials prefer text and photo-based platforms, while Gen Z would go for short video representations1.
Whether we are talking millennials or Gen Z, it is important to note that we are not generalizing nor stereotyping any of the two generations. It takes more than an age group to describe individuals. There are additional factors such as race, religion, society, parents, genetics, and a lot more.
The point of generational characteristics research is to identify macro trends among age groups so we can build on such insights and foster more harmony in the workplace. It is just one tool among many others that would help us understand humans and be able to build better workplace cultures
1Sky Schooley 2020, How to Manage Millennials vs. Gen Z in the Workplace, Accessed 1 June 2021, https://www.business.com/articles/managing-millennials-and-gen-z-employees/
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