Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2015) is an important and growing part of the workforce. However, there are many misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding our generation - from being "disconnected" to "self-entitled" - that can be unfair and inaccurate. In reality, Gen Z just wants a few basic things in the workplace. Here are three things I would want my future bosses to know about managing me as a Gen Z employee:
1. I don't need to "hustle" and make great sacrifices in order to achieve my goals. With stagnant wages and an increasing cost of living, taking time for myself and for breaks is essential for my overall well-being and success.
2. My goals do not revolve around labor. While I want to work hard and am willing to do so, I need to make sure that I am also taking the time to enjoy life and pursue my passions outside of work.
3. I want to work in an environment that is healthy and safe. Rather than be labeled as "lazy" or "disloyal" for wanting to leave a toxic workplace, I should be supported in my decision.
I understand that
I should not dedicate my whole life to one company and I am open to job-hopping if a better offer is presented to me. It doesn't have to be a higher pay, but rather a job that aligns with my values, helps me grow as a person, and suits my working style. Additionally, I take into consideration how the company I work for treats environmental and social issues. As part of the politically active generation, I believe it is important to enact social change.
Furthermore, I choose not to use corporate jargon as I believe it is a waste of time and can lead to miscommunication. I think it is better to be direct rather than use phrases like "close the loop", "have the bandwidth", or "circling back", as they don't inherently mean anything without further explanation. This way, time and effort can be saved and used to benefit the company.