The hosts dive into the comedic chaos of a Gen Z employee experience, sharing laugh-out-loud anecdotes. They discuss the challenge of working with younger generations, highlighting miscommunication and contrasting expectations. Personal reflections on mental blocks in content creation and the excitement of innovative tech like Adobe Firefly offer valuable insights. A light-hearted look at manga-inspired fashion and late-night chats reveals the joy of friendship amidst struggles. Ultimately, the journey celebrates creativity and the unique perspectives brought by Gen Z.
Gen Z's digital upbringing contributes to distinct communication styles and work ethics that often clash with traditional workplace expectations.
The tendency of Gen Z employees to prioritize personal experiences over professional responsibilities creates challenges in team dynamics and productivity.
Despite frustrations, older professionals are willing to guide Gen Z towards a collaborative work ethic, recognizing their potential for creativity and innovation.
Deep dives
Challenges with Gen Z in the Workforce
Working with Gen Z has presented notable challenges in the workplace, as many older professionals observe a disconnect in work ethic and communication styles. Some experiences shared include an employee dismissively declaring, 'see how you do without me' after being let go, which highlights a perceived sense of entitlement and lack of professionalism. Additionally, instances of unresponsiveness and personal issues overshadowing work responsibilities, such as an intern focusing on personal relationships during a business meeting, further complicate team dynamics. These examples point to a broader concern that Gen Z's upbringing in a digital age may lead to inflated self-worth and unpreparedness for traditional workplace expectations.
Social Media and the New Work Ethic
The rise of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has arguably shaped Gen Z's perception of their roles in the workplace, fostering a self-centric attitude often at odds with organizational needs. As this generation grows accustomed to being content creators who are seen as stars in their own right, this sense of self-importance can clash with structured environments that demand accountability and collaboration. This shift may also reflect a departure from the work ethics instilled in previous generations, where a more traditional hierarchy and acknowledgment of one's position were the norms. The challenge of navigating these evolving expectations has led to frustrations from older professionals who often expect a more grounded approach to work.
The Impact of a Changing Landscape on Professional Relationships
Younger employees' tendency to blend personal experiences with professional duties can lead to complicated workplace relationships and disrupt productivity. Anecdotes reveal that some Gen Z individuals prioritize personal connections, often sharing overly intimate details during work interactions, which can detract from professional conversations and objectives. Older generations emphasize the importance of separating personal issues from work responsibilities to maintain professionalism, suggesting a gap in understanding workplace etiquette. This personal approach to work can create a challenge in establishing trust and reliability within professional teams.
Coping with Emotional Turmoil
The emotional struggles faced by some Gen Zers, including mental health challenges and navigating relationship dynamics, can adversely affect their work performance and interactions. For instance, individuals may abruptly focus on their emotional obstacles during a business meeting, rather than addressing the tasks at hand, signaling a potential inadequacy in handling workplace pressures. This phenomenon can foster frustration among coworkers who are accustomed to a more task-oriented approach, leading to the perception that Gen Z lacks resilience in professional scenarios. Ultimately, addressing these emotional aspects while fostering a more productive work environment remains a crucial challenge for employers.
Reflection and Hope for Future Generations
Despite the frustrations encountered when working with Gen Z, many professionals express a desire to support and guide this generation towards a more productive and collaborative work ethic. There is an acknowledgment of the creativity that young employees bring to the table, as well as an understanding of the systemic changes required in organizations to accommodate these shifts. A willingness to foster empathy and guidance could bridge the generational gap, provided that both sides are open to constructive feedback and learning. Ultimately, cultivating a supportive environment may help mitigate misunderstandings and build a more effective intergenerational workplace.
In a time characterized by the prominence social media, Gen Z have been socialized significantly different from previous generations. This may be the reason for their work ethic that Chloe has struggled to work with during her team building endeavors. On the other hand Eric has had only positive experiences, but is this the exception or the rule?
πππ π πππ πππππ ποΈ
ππΏπΆπ° πͺπ²πΆ (β @trykarat ) - IG: https://www.instagram.com/erictway
co-founder of Karat Financial, helping creators with finances
ππ΅πΉπΌπ² π¦π΅πΆπ΅ β ( @chloeshih ) IG: https://www.instagram.com/chloe.shih/
tech product manager sharing perspectives on career, life advice, and living in your 30s.
Editor: Jayna Benito
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0:00 They said what??
0:55 crying on the toilet
4:04 Chloe was on the grind
6:32 What's the biggest mental block
9:50 don't be TOO mindful or demure
11:36 mental blocks are easier to see in others
14:46 just fighting demons at 3 am
17:42 overcoming depression with My Little Pony
20:00 JOMO won best podcast award!! :O
24:47 if jomo wasn't jomo
26:08 Chloe's exploring the VC world
29:52 What does Eric do as an advisor?
33:17 when you have influence, people come to you
36:30 Is investing worth it?
40:47 Let him cook!!
42:16 working with Gen Z is a nightmare
47:00 but is it really a Gen Z thing?
50:20 love the younger gen, as coworkers maybe not so much...
53:13 empowerment in the wrong environment can be bad
55:30 please share your advice about working with Gen Z!!
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