A new study concludes that 45% of hiring managers say Gen Z are the most difficult to manage, but ... [+]
As Gen Z graduates enter the workplace, some wonder how their older, skeptical coworkers will receive them. Their earlier peers, feeling misunderstood and vilified, are getting a bad rap from other generations and business leaders. The younger workers are criticized for having too many rules, refusing to comply with corporate demands, being oppositional and lacking etiquette, reliability and flexibility.
Gen Z argue that they possess unique perspectives and skills that could be interpreted as healthier or more creative and productive. They push for greater flexibility, work-life balance and living healthier than the traditional “work-until-you-die” labor styles of previous generations. Recent research paints a picture of a younger generation that believes in professionalism, maintains good etiquette and cares about their work life, raising the question: Are Gen Z really as difficult as people claim?
Putting The Gen Z Debate To The Test
On May 24, 2024 Resume Genius asked 625 U.S. hiring managers which generation is the most challenging to work with. The results, issued in their 2024 Gen Z Workers Report, found that just as Boomers had concerns about Millennials, Gen Z is now encountering similar criticism. Nearly half (45%) of hiring managers name Gen Z as the most challenging generation to work with. Even 45% of Gen Z hiring managers share the same sentiment. Here’s the breakdown:
- Gen Z (45%)
- Millennials (26%)
- Gen X (13%)
- Boomers (9%)
- Not sure/Doesn’t matter (7%)
A quote by American writer and essayist Mark Twain puts these findings in perspective: “When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.” Perhaps finding themselves on the opposite side of the majority is the greatest value Gen Z bring to the workplace and leveraging those unique strengths and excelling can reverse negative perceptions.
Geoffrey Scott, senior hiring manager at Resume Genius adds,"Gen Zers might have a bad rep, but they have the power to transform workplaces for the better,” he states. “Gen Z has already shaken things up, but they're not here to break things. They bring a unique blend of talent and bold ideas that can rejuvenate any workforce.”
6 Strategies For Gen Z To Thrive In The Workplace
The 2024 Gen Z Workers Report offers six practical strategies for Gen Z to tackle negative perceptions, unearth opportunities and succeed in a multi-generational office.
1. Flex your digital muscles. McKinsey & Company call Gen Z professionals “true digital natives” with a natural familiarity with the internet, allowing them to quickly learn and master new digital tools. Whether skilled in social media, content creation, coding or cloud computing, Resume Genius recommends that you position yourself as a valuable asset to employers by highlighting your tech skills on resumes, cover letters and during interviews.
2. Know (or build) your personal brand. Morning Consult Pro says 67% of Gen Zs believe in the importance of building a personal brand, and 61% either have a personal brand or are interested in developing one. If you’re a Gen Z job seeker, Resume Genius suggests doing research on companies you’re interested in to understand the skills and experiences that are valued, followed by showcasing your findings on social media or personal blog.
3. Adapt your communication style to older generations. Resume Genius suggests that Gen Z job seekers who tailor their communication approach have a higher chance of connecting well with interviewers across different generations. Although a Baby Boomer might prefer to meet in person, a Gen Xer might choose email. A Millennial boss might like a mix of in-person and digital communication (e.g., emails, text messages), while a Gen Z colleague might prefer instant messaging.
To gauge a potential employer’s communication style, it’s important to read the job posting and any emails from the recruitment team to determine if the company's tone is formal, casual or a mix of both. Checking a company’s social media profiles or websites can reveal whether it presents a corporate image or a more relaxed, startup-like atmosphere.
4. Show initiative and a growth mindset. Employers highly value proactive workers who have a growth mindset, according to Resume Genius. For Gen Z workers, actively seeking new projects and demonstrating a willingness to learn and contribute are key strategies for success. Volunteer for projects. Express interest in taking on additional responsibilities. Offer assistance to colleagues if they request help. Attend training sessions or workshops. Participate in team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
“To counter any misconceptions that Gen Z lacks independence, always propose solutions and be resourceful,” advises Samuel Johns, recruiting manager at CV Genius. “Do your research first. Use Google or other resources to ensure you can back up what you’re talking about. By demonstrating your ability to find and implement solutions, you show employers that you’re self-motivated and capable of driving projects forward without constant supervision.”
5. Avoid publicly bashing former employers. Be cautious about what you post on social media, even if you’re settled into your job. Trends like #QuitTok, where people share dramatic stories of quitting, can be entertaining but might harm your career. Resume Genius recommends that Gen Z regularly review and remove potentially problematic content online, adjust privacy settings or maintain separate professional and personal accounts to protect your reputation.
6. Build bridges—not walls—with colleagues. Gen Z employees can actively contribute to fostering collaboration and innovation within their team. You can serve as spokespeople for companies targeting younger audiences and recommend tools (like generative AI) to your employer to enhance efficiency. You can assist by creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and providing tutorials for these tools or suggesting inclusive team-building activities, such as virtual escape rooms or online gaming sessions to strengthen team cohesion.
A Final Wrap-Up
"Despite facing flak and making headlines for the wrong reasons in recent years, Gen Z brings tremendous value to the workplace," concludes Eva Chan, lead career expert at Resume Genius. "Even after spending over two years quarantining away from their peers, Gen Z has shown resilience by staying connected and effectively using available resources to establish themselves as competent contributors in today's digital workforce.” With time, Chan is optimistic that this generation will overcome initial skepticism from their older colleagues and make significant contributions to organizations they work for and the overall economy.
