Generations

A recent article pegged Gen Z as a lost generation unprepared for the workforce as it’s currently constructed.  The concerns expressed were related to this generation and office jobs, work environs, organizational topics and issues such as: Social cues, old-school networking, shoe-leather office politics, water-cooler conversations, phone-less and low-tech environments, and so forth.  It was written by a Gen Z person, too, I think. 

A few observations myself:

• This is the first time we have had as many generations as we have in the current workplace.  Potentially greatest generation folks all the way to Gen Alpha. 

• All generations are unfortunately typecast.  I know a young person, quite well, who is an “old soul.”  I call him Boomer actually. He’s 20.  As employers and organizations, we mustn’t assume anything about one’s tendencies or proclivities. I am, no surprise, not a big fan of tapestries.

• Part of workplace culture is indeed assimilation and blending in and being part of a team. 

That all being said, I do believe there are certain habits, tendencies, work-styles, and office tact elements of some generations (not just Z) that definitely do not jive with conventional norms, nor work well with assimilation and teamwork/teambuilding, nor lend themselves well to employment success. Socialization is part of the mix.  Attentive listening is needed. Banter and fun is essential.  Boredom, embraced and not thwarted by scrolling, is necessary. Networking and phone calls and in-person conversations are the lifeblood still of professional life. Time off from your phone is a must-do. Both stretch assignments and work life imbalance will indeed occur and one needs to just accept those facts.

This is in part why I believe strongly in the power of mentorship and coaching and being a voice and an ear for people as they navigate work, organizational, professional and other such challenges.