Renata Kiss, FISM News
According to a recent report, as Gen Z is becoming the newest addition to the workforce, older generations are struggling to adjust to these young employees. It’s also safe to say that Gen Z isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers in the process.
ResumeBuilder.com indicates that 74% of managers and business leaders are finding the generation born roughly after 1997 more challenging to work with than older ones. And some are quite bold in their assertions.
The head of human resources at SGK Global Shipping Services said that those fresh in the workforce “think they’re better than you, smarter than you, more capable than you, and they will tell you to your face.”
Others said that Gen Z often lacks motivation, communication skills, productivity, and longevity in the workplace. Reportedly, three-quarters of these young employees are actively looking for jobs other than the ones they currently have.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for Gen Z. Some employers say that Gen Z brings a refreshing change to the workforce.
A marketing director from an online company said that he enjoys working with younger employees. He said that compared to other generations, Gen Z is “highly innovative and adaptable.” He added that “they are not afraid to challenge the status quo and bring new ideas to the table.”
Others have defended the fresh-out-of-college generation. Stacie Haller, Chief Career Advisor at Resume Builder.com, said that Gen Z had to enter the workforce remotely at the height of COVID, making it more difficult to adjust to professional expectations.
Earlier this year, Gallup’s “Called to Coach” sought to mend the misunderstandings between older employees and the younger generation.
Dr. Santor Nishizaki said that what Gen Z wants in the workplace is “purpose and impact.” As far as Gen Z’s preferred management style goes, Nishizaki said that they prefer bosses to act like mentors or coaches, and not just as supervisors.
At the same time, Nishizaki also pointed out that a large number of Gen Z’ers have side gigs. He encouraged employers to be mindful of Gen Z job responsibilities, but he also advised companies to use the extra skills Gen Z provides for the company’s benefit. For example, if someone likes doing photography as a hobby, the employer should try to build that skill into their role at work.
But what does Scripture have to say about all this?
The Bible often mentions the need for younger people to have respect for their leaders and parents. These include 1 Peter 5:5 and Ephesians 6:1-3.
But Scripture also indirectly addresses those who are older and instructs those who are in leadership positions. For example, in 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul encourages Timothy not to feel discouraged when older members of the church don’t give him the respect that his pastoral office deserves, given his age and assumed lack of experience. Paul instructs Timothy that the way to overcome these struggles is to exemplify conduct that merits honor and respect in the eyes of those who are older than him.