When a new generation enters the workforce, inevitable growing pains arise, such as communication mishaps, dress code confusion, and culture clashes. In today's digital age, these clashes are often depicted through memes that pit millennials against Gen Z, especially in workplace behavior. The generational feud is nothing new. "The way millennials are talking about Gen Z is exactly the way that Gen Xers talked about millennials and the way that boomers talked about Gen X," says workplace expert Lindsey Pollak. It's not surprising that there's tension between millennials and Gen Z, but are their approaches to work really that different?
Gen Z, born between 1996 and 2010, are currently 14 to 28 years old, while millennials, born between 1981 and 1995, are now 29 to 43. This nearly 30-year gap suggests significant differences in their views on work and professionalism. Contrary to popular belief, the "office siren" trend isn't dominating workplace fashion, nor are people in their 20s "quiet quitting" en masse. However, differences do exist, particularly in balancing work and personal life and finding meaning in work.
Alejandra, 24, the sole Gen Z employee in her local government office, took the job for stability due to her MS diagnosis. She openly admits it's not her dream job. "What a lot of generations don't understand is that Gen Z could give two fucks," she says. She emphasizes the importance of not pretending to care about inconsequential deliverables and pushes against inefficient structures. Her boss often labels her unprofessional for her resistance, but she believes constructive change is essential.
Unlike Alejandra, some Gen Z workers blend in with their colleagues, which they find perfectly acceptable. Frida Garcia, 26, a graphic designer in a corporate office, doesn't notice any age-related treatment differences. She stays punctual and diligent in her tasks, which she believes influences how she's perceived.
Millennials like Maddie, 32, who employs both generations, don't understand the disdain towards younger workers. She recalls feeling entitled at her first job, much like the stereotypes about Gen Z today. Gabrielle, 33, who climbed the corporate ladder from the bottom, believes starting at lower positions was necessary for career growth.
Gabrielle oversees 80 direct reports, split evenly between millennials and Gen Z. She notes that younger workers often expect higher compensation fresh out of school but also advocate for themselves and establish boundaries effectively. Alejandra agrees, expressing her detachment from work outside scheduled hours.
This mindset of separating work from personal life, though often associated with Gen Z, is something millennials have been working on as well. "Millennials have a lot of very real work trauma," says Maddie, highlighting the generational shift where hard work no longer guarantees financial stability and homeownership, as it did for previous generations.
Generational changes often lead to workplace improvements, such as the ten-hour workday, parental leave, and paid time off, thanks to those who challenged the status quo. Marla McGraw from Michigan State University points out that the next generation's demands push companies to evolve, which attracts talent.
Ultimately, when it comes to what really matters at work, Gen Z and millennials share common values. A 2024 Deloitte survey of 23,000 individuals from both generations indicates that a sense of purpose, flexible work, and work-life balance are critical for job satisfaction.
Alejandra emphasizes Gen Z's commitment to justice and fairness in the workplace, which may make older generations uncomfortable. Maddie, employing three Gen Z women, appreciates their enthusiasm and well-being and doesn't demand excessive overtime.
The key to intergenerational workplace harmony, according to Pollak, is finding a balance between old and new practices. "That's where I think the magic happens," she says.