As Gen Z begins to enter the workforce at high numbers, the difference between Gen Z and older generations’ work expectations have become more noticeable than ever. While older generations, such as Gen X and older, were often taught to work for an income instead of enjoyment – if enjoyment was found, then great – Gen Z is heading into the workforce with nothing short of high standards.
The shift that younger generations are causing in the workplace includes bringing your authentic self, understanding the importance of breaks / not feeling overworked, and actually stopping work once you clock out.
We asked a few Gen-Z PACO team members about their experience working with older generations and how they’ve adjusted.
“How I dress” – Mya Wraggs (Social Media Coordinator Intern/Gen Z-er)
I’m always more aware of how I dress when I’m in an environment with older generations – especially the workplace. Though it’s becoming more normalized to show certain parts of skin, such as midriff or wearing shorts that are more than 2 inches above the knee (gasp), I also know that this normalization lies heavily in my generation and that older generations are still pretty conservative with their fashion choices. Some days I’m more conscious, but most days, I just go for it!
At PACO, it’s so much easier to just go for it because we’re a ‘wear what you want’ workplace, so I don’t really have to think about it at all!
“Gen-Z is more self-aware” – Gustavo Calderon (TikTok Manager Intern/Gen Z-er)
In regards to work, Gen-Z has higher standards for their work environment than older generations. We’re more aware of the conditions that we’re being asked to work in. Older generations often had the mentality of “work isn’t supposed to be enjoyable” or “just keep a job to pay your bills,” but Gen-Z is breaking that mentality and requiring more from our place of work!! #LoveThatForUs!!😊
PACO makes it easy for the workplace to meet our standards because they balance work and play very well, and it’s an open concept office, so we’re not stuck in a cubicle all day.
“Watch my mouth” – Ilani Torres (Media Coordinator/Gen Z-er)
I’m definitely more aware of what I say. There is a mix of other generations that we work with that may be open to “bad words” and it’s apparent, however, I’ve learned to be more aware of how I talk to different people. I can relate to my Gen-Z coworkers (because who doesn’t swear nowadays?) but when it comes to everyone else, I’m learning who is and who isn’t cool with it, and I pride myself on that new skill: to watch my mouth!
Though there are a lot of differences between older and newer generations, there’s so much to be shared amongst the groups.
The Shift in Professionalism and What it Looks Like Now
Professionalism – and what falls under that umbrella – seems to be shifting right along with everything else. For older gens, professionalism tends to be more “standard”/ “old-school.” Gen-Z’s version is much more casual and accepting; Millennials tend to fall right in between both.
Gen Z will continue to bring powerful changes to the workplace and PACO will continue to welcome those changes.
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