Episode: 796

Episode Title: The Gen Z Disconnect

Why are older-generation bosses struggling to understand their Gen Z workers? Let’s talk about some new research on this topic, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 796 show:

Welcome back to The Perna Syndicate! I’m your host Mark Perna, thanks for tuning in. As the workforce continues to change, many bosses from older generations are having trouble understanding their younger colleagues. In frustration, many of these managers seem to be asking, “Why don’t these young people do things the way I’m used to?”

Gen Z, who were born between 1997 and 2013, especially seems to get a bad rap. But maybe it’s time to flip the script. 

Put yourself in their shoes for a minute. Imagine how it would feel to start your first professional job under the incredibly stressful conditions created by the pandemic and now, our continued economic uncertainty. It’s hard enough for those of us already established in our life and careers to navigate all this!

To better understand what Gen Z wants in the workplace, Deloitte Digital recently commissioned a new study, led by Gen Z influencer Michael Pankowski. Specifically, they wanted to find out what Gen Z workers think is the biggest disconnect with their bosses—and how those gaps can be bridged. 

I’m an older-gen boss and without the younger members of my team, I know we wouldn’t be where we are today. So it was very interesting to see the different ways we look at the world and our careers. 

We’ll dig deeper into the research this week, but for now, my biggest takeaway was that we can all be more aware of the amazing strengths and energy that young people can bring to the workplace. 

Stay tuned for this conversation and we’ll see you next time on The Perna Syndicate!