It should shock no one that people born between 1997 to 2012 (gen Z), who never knew a world without a cell phone or home computer, would be adept at asking the question “why.” Being raised in an environment that has the vast knowledge of the world at your fingertips would demystify everything from the mundane to marvelous. Want to know why the sky is blue? Google it. Want to know the absolute best way to make waffles? Coogle it. Want to know about the nuances of international relations as it pertains to the production of Slinky’s? Well you’re in luck as the Slinky is manufactured in the great state of Pennsylvania!
This access to information from a young age would create a natural expectation to know the answers to all your questions, rather than speculate; and it would also drastically alter your perception of expertise and authority. It’s easier than ever to know whether a person of authority is speaking from a place of earned authority and subject matter expertise, or simply puffed-up opinion and personal tastes. Cue the potential for generational culture clash within the workplace.
In hopes of discontinuing the cliche of generations warring with one another, here’s a few tips on how to create positive intergenerational relations:
Tips for Managing Gen Z
- Embrace the Energy- With youth comes energy and optimism that can lift a team with it, but only if it’s not prematurely squelched. It’s critical to provide opportunities for a growing team member to shine and allow for input. While some of the input might not feel actionable today, they may be clueing you into what’s going to be trending tomorrow.
- Analyze Best Practices- Few things are as irritating as being put on the spot to explain why something is done a certain way, only to realize that you yourself don’t know. Are the practices adopted by your organization actually best practices, or were they systems developed under a specific set of circumstances that stuck around?
- Know Your Purpose- Gen Z is characterised as having a strong sense of purpose and desire to flourish both in the workplace and out. Being able to communicate effectively why your organization exists, the problems it’s solving, and products or services offered can give younger employees a sense of clarity of both their role in the workplace and how they’re serving the world.
- Take the Time- While not always possible to stop and provide background information to explain the whys, when there is, do it. Building a culture of mutual understanding will streamline work processes for years to come and allow space for innovation. After all, how can we expect younger generations to enter and improve a workplace environment if we hoard the knowledge to do so?
Tips for Gen Z
- Not All Timelines Allow for Questioning- Not to come out too strongly in an authoritarian way, but there are times where immediate compliance is necessary and explanations can come later. In certain work environments the need to follow directives quickly is not only a matter of dollars and cents but of life and limb. Safety and security is at the root of many SOPs, so please hold your questions for when the literal or metaphorical fire is put out.
- Experience is Something Earned Not Learned- Unfortunately, there’s no productivity hack that will allow you to gain 10+ years of knowledge and experience making decisions (and reaping those results). Every obstacle we’ve overcome has altered the way we approach the next one. There is no shame in acknowledging that you’re simply too green to make an effective judgement call and seek help.
- Constructive Feedback Helps you Learn About You- You know what can’t be found on Reddit or Youtube? An analysis of your growth areas. Building trusted relationships with the senior members of your team allows you access to individual guidance you can’t find anywhere else.
- No’s Aren’t Forever- It can be frustrating working with older generations that bristle at a tool or process that may feel natural to you. Have patience and don’t disregard their point of view. Often ideas are cyclical things- think fashion trends. What may seem fresh and exciting to you, might be something they’ve seen before. Also, don’t make the mistake of placing the burden of understanding on the recipient of your idea. It’s your job to communicate an idea in such a way that they can receive the information and perceive the value.
Fostering positive intergenerational relationships in the workplace isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic advantage. When organizations create space for mutual respect, open communication, and shared learning among different age groups, they unlock the full potential of a diverse workforce. Each generation brings unique strengths, from fresh ideas and digital fluency to seasoned insights and emotional intelligence. Investing in intergenerational harmony today lays the foundation for a more dynamic and successful workplace tomorrow.
