As the next generation of workers, Generation Z, enters the workplace, it’s important that they learn from the mistakes of the Millennials who came before them. After all, Millennials have notoriously been referred to as entitled, lazy and overconfident, three qualities that Gen Z does not want to inherit. Gen Z, don’t make these same Millennial mistakes in the workplace:
Oversharing.
When Millennials need to vent or brag, they turn to social media to air their dirty laundry. That fight that you had with your company’s food distributor does not need to become a debate between friends on Facebook. Although it would be unreasonable to ask Generation Z to stay away from social media, they should make an effort to learn how to use it more appropriately than their Millennial counterparts. Before you begin applying for jobs, remove anything that could be seen as inappropriate from your Facebook page so hiring managers don’t get a bad impression of you. Overall, Generation Z needs to fight the urge to overshare on social media.
Clocking out right at 5 p.m.
Millennials have without a doubt changed the way that the modern workplace functions. Many workers, not just from the Millennial generation, now value flexibility in their jobs and strive to create a work-life balance. However, it’s important for Generation Z to not follow Millennials’ lead when it comes to clocking out everyday at 5 p.m. on the dot. Although it’s important to have a work-life balance, this could be interpreted as a lack of passion about your job. Instead, try to stay 10-15 minutes later a few days a week to show your boss that you’re not keeping a close eye on the clock to bolt out of the building.
Not recognizing who the boss is.
Millennials have earned a reputation of being entitled and overly confident. This quality can sometimes lead to them acting as if they believe they’re higher up in the office than they actually are, something that is very unattractive to their superiors. To ensure that they do not make the same mistake in the workplace, Generation Z needs to make it a point to recognize who the boss is at work. Even in the most laid-back work environment, superiors need to be treated with respect. Listen when they give you advice, take their critiques with a smile and never speak over them or act as if you have more power than they do.
Unprofessional communication.
Both Millennials and Generation Z have grown up with email and social media at their fingertips, so it’s understandable that they tend to have sub-par communication skills. Millennials tend to rely on texting and emailing co-workers or clients as opposed to speaking in person or over the phone. Although communicating electronically does have its advantages, it can also have its downsides. Generation Z needs to remain professional when using electronic communication by avoiding abbreviations or acronyms, using appropriate greetings and salutations, and knowing when its better to pick up the phone than send an email.
Being a perfectionist.
Millennials have a hard time understanding that perfection in the workplace is simply not attainable. They often require extended deadlines or get stuck spending hours on projects in an attempt to make their work perfect and please their bosses. However, the opposite actually occurs. Managers want high quality work, of course, but they also want productivity, quick turnarounds and efficiency. Generation Z needs to learn how to find a balance between perfectionism and productiveness.
What mistakes are you hoping that the next generation of workers will avoid? Are there any Millennial traits that you hope Generation Z workers do have? Tell us in the comments below!
