If you ask a millennial or Gen X-er about their Gen Z coworkers, they may have some not-so-great opinions of their college-aged associates.
While it's easy to disregard these negative attitudes with a simple "OK, Boomer" insult, it's essential to break down older generations' beef with Gen Z. No matter how you cut it; it ultimately comes down to persisting misinterpretations about the newest batch of young professionals.
We've compiled and debunked a list of the top four misconceptions people have about Gen Z employees to highlight the issue!
"They Complain Too Often"
The opinion that Gen Z-ers are too whiney has skyrocketed among HR professionals in recent years, as reported by the New York Post. One common grievance is that Gen Z employees are too eager to run to HR rather than deal with workplace issues on a coworker-to-coworker level.
Despite this, workplace culture expert Dr. Di Ann Sanchez contests the complaint. Instead, she says that the new era of young professionals is firm about being appropriately treated.
"[Generation Z] will speak up if something's not right to them," Sanchez said. "Socially, morally, ethically, in their workload."
"They Think They're Too Good For In-Office Work"
In light of tech advancements, remote work has become a practical option (and, due to the pandemic, a necessity) for many.
When it comes to Gen Z-ers in the workplace, older employees often jump to the assumption that they would prefer to work remotely. However, research shows that only about 34% of Gen Z professionals have remote work listed as a top priority, and only 30% wanted to work on a fully remote basis.
Meanwhile, about 48% of participants were interested in a hybridized position, while 22% said they'd prefer to be fully in office. In short: Many Gen Z-ers are sick of being remote!
"They're Too Sensitive"
One of the most significant generational disconnects has to do with attitudes toward mental health, which would naturally factor into workplace misconceptions.
When a Gen Z employee brings up the subject of having paid mental health days or addressing workplace toxicity, others all too often jump to the conclusion that they're merely being "dramatic" or "too soft."
On the contrary, this is the product of Gen Z-ers having a mission to combat the norm of workplace dysfunction that other generations have gotten used to. While some consider this an indicator that young professionals are "too sensitive," it instead shows them breaking the cycle of accepting harsh or toxic work environments.
We can't talk right now — we're too busy destroying generational curses!
"They Only Think About Themselves"
Perhaps the most egregious misinterpretation about Gen Z employees is that they're only looking out for themselves.
Considering the new era of young professionals' commitment to bringing in change, practicing self-care, and maintaining healthy boundaries, millennials and Gen X-ers are left wondering if their 20-something-year-old coworkers' priorities revolve around themselves.
The answer, however, is instead mixed. Although Gen Z employees do prioritize themselves, they also advocate for the rights of all employees while doing so. What is perceived as a trend toward selfishness is a mission to fight against workplace dissatisfaction. Who are you calling self-absorbed?!
As Gen Z-ers continue to grow and succeed in the workforce, workplaces should be cognizant of not making similar faulty assumptions about future generations.
