Millennials and Gen Z are slowly becoming the majority in the workforce. With this changing of the guard, companies must change their policies and procedures to align with the values of this new generation.
It often involves a complete overhaul of traditional workplace norms, such as dress codes, office hours, and company hierarchy.
Whether you agree with it or not, these are the workplace expectations that millennials and Gen Z refuse to follow. How will it turn out? Only time will tell.
1. Taking Pride in Long Workdays
Millennials and Gen Z don’t view coming into the workplace early and burning the midnight oil as a badge of honor. In fact, they view these long hours as a sign of future burnout and lack of productivity.
Instead of working hours of overtime, the younger workforce looks for results during work time. Look for future companies to adopt this progressive approach and encourage workers to clock out at the end of the day instead of promoting overtime — particularly of the unpaid kind.
2. Being Available 24/7
Millennials and Gen Z insist on a clear distinction between work and personal time. Don’t expect them to check their emails or work phones on weekends. These times are spent with family and friends to help them unwind from the work week.
This disengagement helps promote long-term commitment and eliminate possible exhaustion.
3. Standing Up To Toxic Work Environments
Millennials and Gen Z are taking a hard stance against toxic workplaces. Everything from bullying, unrealistic performance demands, discrimination, and chronic stress are all factors these employees will not tolerate. Mental health and a comfortable workplace environment are more valuable than status, salary, or pathway to promotion.
As a result, companies are aligning with these values. Many have brought in HR professionals to implement stricter policies against harassment, better mental health resources, and provide training programs that foster equality.
4. Excessive Formality in Communication
The younger generation is gradually abandoning formal communication and adopting a more casual conversation style in the workplace. They think that formal emails and meeting protocols come off as inauthentic and can lead to confusion.
This is also a way to provide direct communication, help ease the intimidation of hierarchy, and promote inclusion among the staff.
5. Company Loyalty
It seems that the days of an individual staying with a company for 40 years might soon be over. Younger workers are choosing flexibility with their employers over loyalty to one company. This new era of professionals values growth and is willing to seek new jobs when the opportunity presents itself.
Employers are trying to accommodate these workers by building retention strategies. Still, it’s clear that company loyalty is no longer held in high regard as it once was.
6. Strict Dress Codes
If you look at some of the more progressive, younger companies in the United States, you might be surprised by their attire. Millennials and Gen Z are ditching the suit and tie and opting to wear a much more comfortable wardrobe. Take Facebook, for example. Mark Zuckerberg, one of the richest men on the planet, is usually seen in jeans and a T-shirt. Even Steve Jobs of Apple was mostly seen in a plain black turtleneck that could be found in any men’s department.
Not all companies are going for such a relaxed look. Still, ladies wearing business suits and heels while men wear ties is no longer the standard of professionalism.
7. Strict Office Attendance
When the pandemic hit in 2020, remote work quickly became a standard practice. Four years out of the shutdown, and it looks like this practice not only works for most businesses but also works well. New employees to the workforce have been accustomed to the practice, but they love the idea of a mix of remote and in-office work days.
Companies have noted and incorporated these hybrid models. Look for this trend to extend well past 2024.
8. Work To Live Over Live To Work
There is a growing trend among younger workers to appreciate the importance of a balanced lifestyle where personal life is not hindered by work responsibilities. Family activities, hobbies, and outside interests can take a back seat to the rigors of the business world.
This generation focuses on individual happiness as a measure of success over career milestones. Luckily, companies have taken notice and are encouraging a positive work-life balance.
9. Conventional Retirement Plans
The new generation is looking for a flexible approach to retirement rather than planning for a traditional retirement once they hit a specific age. Instead, they are interested in a slow, phased retirement with options like freelance work or a part-time role with the company.
Switching to a less demanding role as they age gives these workers a sense of connection to a place where they’ve contributed many hours. It also lets them walk away when they’re 100% ready instead of being pushed out.
10. Standardized Testing for Hiring
The new generation is questioning some of the standardized testing in the hiring process. Instead, millennials and Gen Z are vocalizing the need to apply assessments that actually relate to the required job skills and work environment.
This has resulted in recruiting companies adopting new approaches to their vetting processes. Many of these companies have looked into practical assessments and holistic review processes.
11. Paper-Based Processes
Over the years, a renewed focus has been on environmental sustainability and waste reduction. Millennials and Gen Z have taken that mindset into the workforce and have pushed for digital solutions, tools, and electronic documents that eliminate as many paper products as possible.
With many companies looking to go green, the older generation has been pushed to learn new programs and resources. Not only are these helping streamline business protocols, but are also supporting the environment for future generations.
12. Hierarchical Structures
Businesses have had hierarchical systems for many years. However, once millennials and Gen Z fully take over, they could soon become outdated. These workers believe that when hierarchical systems are limited, they provide a more inclusive and collaborative workforce.
Look for companies to provide transparency, accessible leadership, and open communication to foster innovation and team cohesion.
13. 9-to-5 Work Hours
We have already discussed transitioning to a hybrid approach to remote and in-office work. Still, the 9-to-5 workday might also be slowly disappearing. With a dominant approach to results rather than strict labor rules, the flexible workday is becoming increasingly common.
Employers recognize the positive results of an overall work-life balance and job satisfaction. Could these flexible work hours become the norm? We’ll have to wait to see.
14. Limited Feedback
In the past, many workplaces have held annual reviews to discuss overall job performance and discuss future plans. This is not good enough for the new generation. Newer workers value constant and immediate feedback to understand their performance and see ways to improve efficiency. Monthly or even weekly meetings are preferred ways to provide assessments and keep employees in the loop of business practices.
Companies have noticed these ongoing reviews help retain employees and improve overall satisfaction among the staff.
15. Traditional Career Paths
Linear career paths are starting to get passed over for positions that offer a variety of roles and learning experiences. The younger worker is far more likely to swap industries to find work that aligns with their values and interests.
This is much different from the traditional ladder-climbing approach our parents once had. How are companies responding? Many are offering more cross-functional roles with flexible departmental opportunities.
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