Expert shares Gen Z major office turn offs that could be helpful
While Gen Z's ideas might cause a stir, every now and then, they have a breakthrough.
There will always be some animosity between different generations. Often, some will think they are better than others.
While every generation is good in its own way, Gen Z seems to be the target of a lot of hostility from all the others.
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Their way of thinking and doing might be the most alien to older generations, but there could be some method to the madness.
People and Talent Advisor Matt Berry-Hewitt spoke to the Daily Mail and revealed the youngest generation of workers' biggest icks.
Ick is a word "used to express disgust at something unpleasant or offensive".
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These icks might have many of us rolling our eyes, but Berry-Hewitt says that boomers, Gen Xs, and millennials in the workplace should try and meet the younger workers' expectations.
It is projected that by 2023, Gen Z will make up 58% of the workforce.
Here are five of the most icky things about the current workplace:
1. Judging their food choices
We don't necessarily realise it, but the discussion around food can be off-putting for many people, not just Gen Zs.
According to Matt, Gen Z will not tolerate comments about food.
It's time to accept people's dietary choices and this is a non-negotiable for this generation. However, you don't have to approve, you just have to keep any comments to yourself.
A quarter of them eat a meat-free diet, with another 26 per cent intending to lead a more plant-based diet in the future, which is significantly higher than any other age group.
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2. Being featured on the company social media
Gen Z employees feel irritated by colleagues asking them to take part in filming social media content for the company. This equates to employees being able to set boundaries with their bosses.
If you ask a staff member to join in with a TikTok, and they say no, you should respect that no and move on. Seek out volunteers for social media filming and avoid the more camera-shy employees.
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3. Zoom meetings with cameras on
Loungewear has gone from trending to the preferred outfit of choice for most people.
Since spending most of our time in comfortable sweatpants in 2020, it's understandable that 35% of Gen Z women prefer loungewear to other types of clothing.
So it's no surprise that another recurring ick is being asked to turn their cameras on when taking part in a Zoom or Teams call.
While most workers of all ages prefer conducting virtual meetings with cameras on, the younger generation doesn't feel it's necessary.
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4. Working while sick
It has long been accepted that you can still come in to work while sick.
Many employees admit that they would rather show up to work feeling ill out of fear of being fired or viewed negatively by bosses.
Gen Zs and millennials are putting their feet down by being less likely to turn up if they are unwell.
If a colleague says they're ill and they've come into the office regardless, most people will wonder why - especially in an environment that warrants working from home. In a post-Covid world, nobody wants to be around somebody ill.
5. Overtime expectations
Mr Berry-Hewitt explains that a recent study shows that 77% of Gen Z employees prioritise having a good and healthy work-life balance.
Many Gen Z employees also complain about being viewed as 'part-time' employees even when they are showing up and leaving on time.
If somebody says "no" to being expected to work overtime with no extra pay, that's a bad workplace culture for expecting it of staff - not a bad employee for turning it down.
These younger generations are clearly confident and adamant about how they want their future workplace environments to be shaped, but Mr Berry-Hewitt also states that they need to exercise patience.
Companies are not just going to magically change overnight, but there is always hope for the future.
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Main image courtesy of iStock/fizkes