Generation Z representatives value good workplace relationships, and their unique traits can genuinely enrich intergenerational teams. However, as indicated by the Hays Poland and OFF school foundation report “Gen Boost. Young people in the labor market”, success in this area is not always achieved, and misunderstanding and mistrust often arise between generations in the workplace. While 71 percent of Gen Zs are satisfied with their collaboration with older generations, only 57 percent of their older counterparts hold a positive opinion about this cooperation.
Intergenerational teams enable the exchange of diverse experiences and knowledge, mutual inspiration, and the strengthening of innovativeness. However, for the full utilization of this potential, good will is necessary – both on the part of employers and younger and older workers. Clear communication and cooperation are particularly important in this regard. Lack of openness or understanding of the other side, as well as often unintentional biases, can negatively affect the entire team and the people employed in it.
Both Generation Z workers (those born after 1997) and their older colleagues, as well as employers, generally rate intergenerational communication and cooperation positively, but the percentage of optimists among Zs is noticeably higher. Communication and cooperation with older generations are seen positively by 72 and 71 percent of Generation Z, respectively. At the same time, only 63 and 57 percent of older generation workers and employers speak positively on this subject about young people.
These findings come from the “Gen Boost. Young people in the labor market” report by Hays Poland and the OFF school foundation from October 2024, which surveyed nearly 450 young workers – people up to 26 years old from Generation Z – and almost 370 employers representing the older generations.
According to Agnieszka Kolenda, Executive Director at Hays Poland, the fact that the younger generation more often assesses communication and cooperation with older colleagues positively than they do with Gen Z may primarily result from their lesser professional experience. Generation Z people entering the job market do not have a clear point of reference or clearly defined expectations based on cooperation with other employers unlike their colleagues with more seniority. Hence, they often initially accept their boss, team, or company practices as they are.
However, older peers and employers may need more time to understand the different attitudes or changes that younger colleagues want to introduce. They often have preferred ways of working and, not infrequently, sentiment for specific situations or periods in their careers.
While young workers prefer written communication, older generations prefer face-to-face discussions, which may be more clear, sincere, and aid in understanding the other person. It improves building relationships based on trust. Therefore, finding an intermediate solution could be beneficial.
A crucial factor in improving job satisfaction concerning communication and cooperation is an open attitude and mutual understanding. Both Generation Z and their older colleagues should be aware of potential prejudices that may hinder relationship-building.
The younger generation is recognized for its creativity, open-mindedness, and willingness to learn and receive feedback. However, they may be seen as lacking in responsibilities and commitment, as well as the ability to work under pressure and their communication skills.
According to Grzegorz Święch, co-founder of the OFF school Foundation, the Gen Zs are conscious that their future could be very changeable, but they want to ensure their needs and values like learning new skills, gaining knowledge and positive, partnership relations.
The report seeks to present the situation of Generation Z on the labor market, their advantages, and how to build intergenerational, diverse teams. The publication is under the patronage of the Responsible Business Forum.
Source: https://ceo.com.pl/pokolenie-z-ceni-relacje-w-pracy-ale-miedzypokoleniowa-wspolpraca-wciaz-wyzwaniem-38797
