Every generation has had the same pattern in the work environment; meet people they work with, interact with them, and work with them. When the younger come, the older ones tend to feel replaced. The gap is apparent - differences in work ethics, skills, and communication. The older generation paved the way for changes the new ones want to make and vice versa. However, for some, dealing with changes is not an easy job.
The current generation wants massive changes, and they seem to push harder and be vocal about their desires, while the older ones tend to accept and obey whatever is thrown at them. Some believe that they need to break the barrier to change old ways, while the older generation feels like it is unnecessary to do so. The older generation thinks they can still manage the work-life balance that the younger ones thrive having even though the excessive switch of life pace nowadays is nowhere the older can relate. The changes that the digital native generation wants to bring to the work environment are usually positive, such as implementing work-life balance, being heard of, creating innovations that will make their jobs more efficient, and many more. They are used to quick-solving issues, where nowadays they can even learn excel formulas from platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or even blindly ask for help on Twitter. These new ways are not something that older people are used to, as knowledge was passed tacitly from boss to employees. The young ones grow and live 24/7 with the internet, as they have managed to find skills online for free. This accessibility is an upper hand for them as what they offer to the table is more than what they expected. Because of the rapid changes that they are used to, the younger generation desires a faster career development, and they do not want to be stuck in the same position with an uncertain future for a long time. When the young generation is looking for a job, they will look for career advancement, skills they can acquire, and the networking they could build.
As years go by, the younger generation tends to pay more attention to their mental health. It is no longer a "work-life balance," rather more like "I need a break because my brain could not take it anymore." Recently, this has been a common issue in work life, where people tend to be more expressive about their stress level and articulate about how much they need a break, even from screen time. A PWC survey has concluded that 71% of people had stated they value work-life balance that requires more flexibility and less work time. As mental health has been an ongoing issue that people have been looking into, some companies have come with a support team to help those who need it. It usually goes as some people will be in charge of listening and giving advice, although most are very basic, not deep, and lack affection for advice. But as human beings, people need to complain and be listened to, and most of the time no one is listening. Even though some of us are aware of the importance of mental health and try to be there for others, they still need more effort initiated by the company since gossiping in the pantry or small talk during lunch break does not quite do the magic. This unintentional support group does make life bearable at work for most people. Recognition from a supervisor is also something that we tend to dismiss as nothing, yet this boosts confidence and gives us a healthier mindset of our capability at work.
With vast changes in technology and shifts of values, remote working has become the best option for most companies to provide flexibility to their employees. As long as there's an internet and a laptop, anyone can work anywhere. According to a survey conducted by EY, most employees in South East Asia alone prefer to work anywhere or remotely with 32% and 29% respectively, which is trusted to have a lot of benefits, as there will be more room for creativity and improving productivity. The younger generation feels it's necessary to dismiss the old rule of 9-to-5 going to work, as the current generation is highly attached to the internet to be connected. They would not feel missing out on the latest information, and there's no need to be physically present at the office to work as usual for most industries. This flexibility has become the first consideration for job seekers of today.
Regardless of generational differences, they do share some similarities. Some are very tech-savvy, open to new things and willing to learn from one another, or even committed to making changes in the workspace. The similarity they share will bring them together to create a better work environment, which will lead to better surroundings and healthier culture. Employees with well-being will increase their productivity and benefit the company, and vice versa. It also builds a better brand image that will attract more new joiners by offering a healthy work environment.
