Gen Z Rebels Against Baby Boomers’ Workplace Expectations
Generation Z is rebelling against the workplace environment created by Baby Boomers. In addition to challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a successful worker, they are pushing to end micromanagement, advocating for flexible work hours, and normalizing resume gaps and outdated rules. These resume gaps allow them to explore other interests, gain more experience, and build their skill sets without adhering to the rigid expectations set by Baby Boomers.
Career Breaks: Types & Advantages
According to a LinkedIn survey, 62% of workers have taken a career break at some point. Taking a break from work is becoming increasingly popular as people recognize the benefits of taking a sabbatical, gap year, or extended leave. They are not only able to recharge and reset but also gain perspective on their careers, lives, and personal goals. Moreover, it can boost their productivity and creativity when they return to the workforce. A career break means taking time away from work to pursue other interests or activities such as travel, studying, volunteering, etc. Each type of career break has its advantages.
Similarly, gap-year programs offer the opportunity to explore new places while gaining valuable life experiences and skills. There is no doubt that career breaks are a powerful way for women to recharge while gaining valuable insight and enhancing their professional development, regardless of the type of break they decide to take.
For instance, having gap years can help to develop new skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, which can be beneficial when re-entering the workforce. Although it may seem counterintuitive, stepping away can often be the best way to gain valuable perspective and insights that can help in the long run. Exploring cross-sectional industries can create a new network of contacts, which can help increase company growth potential and reach new and innovative ideas.
Everyone Has a Different Work-life Balance
If a woman returns to an industry or changes industries and has a gap on her resume, does that qualify as work-life balance? Will a hiring manager penalize her for having gaps on her resume? Will interview questions explore her professional development during that gap or dismiss her as not having long-term career goals? Employers should recognize that a career is not linear and consider qualifications acquired in a flexible manner. Candidates should also be able to explain the value the time away has given them, such as learning new skills, developing relationships, and taking on various roles. Many women have gaps in their work history for diverse reasons—such as company downsizing, extended illness, caring for a sick loved one, or returning to school.
Reasons for taking a career break include:
- Caregiving for an elderly relative
- Full-time parenting
- Bereavement
- Career transition
- Layoff
- Health issues
- Personal development
- Travel
- Independent contractor
Defining work-life balance is not just about an extra week’s vacation, a little bonus check, or working remotely—each individual will define it differently.
Outdated Ideas: How to Overcome Them
It can be difficult for women to stay motivated and progress in their careers when outdated ideas impede their progress. Taking calculated steps towards the future is possible with the right attitude and strategies implemented. A woman’s career is not linear, and employers should be flexible when assessing her qualifications.
While technology has changed work culture and people work from home, some resist change. Outdated practices such as strict 9-to-5 schedules and long hours in the office are no longer effective ways to manage teams or get work done. These past years have demonstrated people get the job done by working from home.
Creating New Opportunities for Employers?
Gen Z is leading this change in the world of work. Professional development is essential for any company that wants to stay competitive in today’s market. But not all companies can offer this benefit. Considering the integration of marketing and communications, talent with industry gaps that overlap or integrate well with other industries is an asset from a cross-sectional perspective. They seek ways to make their resumes stand out by showcasing their unique skills and experiences. Employers can take advantage of these new opportunities by offering roles that allow women to explore their interests and develop new skills. In turn, this will help them attract more talented employees who can contribute to their organization’s success in the long run.
Changing Workplace Expectations: Retaining Women
As more and more women are contemplating leaving their current jobs, we must take the time to examine some of the top motivators that are driving their decisions. According to recent studies, 52% of women have indicated they would consider leaving their current job in pursuit of higher pay, while 51% showed they desired to reduce stress levels. Additionally, 48% are looking for a job that offers a better work-life balance, 35% want increased career development opportunities, and 13% aspire to establish their own company. These figures indicate growing dissatisfaction with the “Baby Boomer” work culture that values long hours and burnout over meaningful work-life balance and job satisfaction. There may be a shift in values due to the current generation of workers, who prefer a more flexible schedule and environment with a stronger sense of purpose in their work. Due to this, employers must consider this when recruiting and retaining talent.
When it comes to retaining a job, women face unique challenges. One of the most common issues they face is the resume gap. When women take time away from their careers to raise children, care for elderly parents, or pursue other non-career-related activities, their resumes may have gaps that make them less attractive to employers. The challenge for companies is to find ways to retain and attract women who may have taken time away from their careers and are now looking to re-enter the workforce. Companies should create an environment that values experience and skills over resume gaps and provides flexible work arrangements that allow women to balance work and family life. By doing so, companies can create an environment where women feel supported and empowered in their careers. As the workplace evolves, so do the expectations of Gen Z employees. They are keen to challenge the status quo and are determined to break down some of the barriers put in place by previous generations. With their innovative ideas and enthusiasm for change, Gen Zers are pushing back against baby boomers’ workplace expectations and paving a new way forward for women in the workforce.
