Good ! Yes, the title of this publication may be shocking, I know, but I thought I would put on paper a frustration faced with quite colorful things that I hear too often in my daily life in relation to this generation entering the market of work.
In addition to navigating human resources for almost 20 years, a year ago, I took a course load at university, which allowed me to have a front-row seat to observe this workforce that I learned to admire, discover and appreciate as a “ old millennial”, in addition to giving me the opportunity to discuss and exchange with her. Here is what I hear circulating about this generation, “Gen Z”. She would be :
- lazy, would not have the heart to work;
- hypersensitive, unable to receive feedback;
- volatile, who changes jobs at the first obstacle;
- isolated, allergic to traveling to the office.
An approach focused on efficiency
We often talk about the fact that this generation is resistant to extra work, and they are right. Is it out of laziness? Let me doubt it. In a context where work stoppages due to exhaustion are all too common, I met a generation who seeks to work well, hard, but efficiently in order to preserve themselves. Unnecessary tasks or tasks that could be avoided, automated or replaced are highlighted and challenged, for the benefit of employers who do not frequently see their value.
A kindness felt
One of the things that struck me when interacting with the students I have the chance to meet is the benevolent climate that reigns in the work teams and groups. We listen to each other, we take points of view into consideration and we express ourselves about our personal situation in order to adapt.
I regularly hear students talk openly about their cognitive, identity or mental health problems so that we can adapt to them.
The young Pierre-Luc from the LGBTQ+ community that I was would probably have a different school experience today.
A quest for meaning
You’ve probably already watched Simon Sinek’s videos and books, called Start With Why, which highlight the fact that by creating meaning in what we are trying to accomplish rather than focusing only on the task, we create value and a feeling of belonging to our work. This workforce is a good example. I hear from young people who want to know why and for whom they work. It is therefore essential for an organization to communicate and bring its values to life on a daily basis and to create transparency in the way the company is managed.
Strong creativity
During teamwork presentations, I quickly noticed that there are many ideas. When team synergy operates, I have seen ideas, projects and thinking pushed to levels I would have expected from an experienced workforce. These young people are creative, vocal, expressive and have everything to impress us!
It can be easy to judge a generation that you don’t understand, but if you dig a little deeper, you discover committed humans, ready to create a better world.
Whether you are a manager, a parent or simply curious, I invite you to create bridges with this generation who can undoubtedly teach us about the way in which we communicate with kindness, how we can innovate, be effective as a team and preserve our Mental Health.
What do you think ? Participate in the dialogue
reference: www.lapresse.ca