Episode: 797

Episode Title: Where’s the Empathy?

Empathy is vital to Gen Z workers—but less important to their older-generation bosses. Let’s talk about it, coming up next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 797 show:

Hello and welcome to The Perna Syndicate! At work today, many managers from the older generations just don’t get their Gen Z colleagues. This results in a sense of frustration and annoyance—and these younger workers can feel it. 

Many Gen Z workers feel disconnected from their managers, which is really sad if you think about it. These are the young people we should be actively mentoring and learning from, and instead we get catchphrases like “Ok, Boomer” and “Ok, Zoomer” that just underscore the deep divide we feel.

Deloitte Digital recently sponsored research that identified four key areas where members of Gen Z view work differently than their bosses. The first area, that we’re looking at today, is that Gen Z and older generations have very different views on the importance of empathy. 

Amelia Dunlop, Chief Experience Officer at Deloitte Digital, says that Gen Z has been very open about how much they value empathy. In fact, they indicated that empathy is one of the top three characteristics they look for in their boss. 

However, many bosses don’t share the same value of empathy in the top three characteristics they look for in their employees.

Sadly, the study found that one in three Gen Z workers report they do not feel cared for in the workplace. I can’t help but think that much of the mental health crisis that we’re seeing today is due partly to this. And I’m challenged to consider just how much I personally practice empathy. It’s an area I’m sure we all can grow.  

Speaking of mental health, that’s another disconnect between Gen Z and their older bosses. We’ll see you back here tomorrow on The Perna Syndicate for that conversation. Until then, take care!