It’s now common to have four unique age demographics collaborating on projects in 2024, but older generations are saying they’re having trouble working with the latest to enter the workforce: Gen Z.
A Newsweek poll of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies, shows that 40% of respondents find Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — the most difficult generation to work with.
Percentages of generations agreeing with this sentiment:
- Millennials – 38%
- Gen X – 45%
- Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation – 41%
When asked, “In your opinion, members of which of the following generations are the hardest to manage in a workplace setting?” the four generations answered as follows:
- Generation Z: Gen Z (36%), Millennial (34%), Gen X (50%), Boomers & Silent (39%)
- Millennials: Gen Z (14%), Millennial (32%), Gen X (13%), Boomers & Silent (20%)
- Generation X: Gen Z (19%), Millennial (13%), Gen X (16%), Boomers & Silent (7%)
- Baby Boomers: Gen Z (27%), Millennial (13%), Gen X (8%), Boomers & Silent (15%)
Newsweek’s poll results also reflect changing work attitudes throughout the workforce influenced by Gen Z’s view on work-life balance, mental health, and in finding meaningful employment.
When asked “which generations is ‘the worst to be managed by?”, respondents said:
- Generation Z: Gen Z (33%), Millennial (32%), Gen X (38%), Boomers & Silent (49%)
- Millennials: Gen Z (19%), Millennial (32%), Gen X (19%), Boomers & Silent (15%)
- Generation X: Gen Z (14%), Millennial (14%), Gen X (15%), Boomers & Silent (6%)
- Baby Boomers: Gen Z (27%), Millennial (12%), Gen X (13%), Boomers & Silent (14%)
The data shows the largest portion of Millennial respondents said their own generation was the worst to be managed by. Gen X’s responses were, for the most part, evenly distributed amongst Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. However, the responses hint that they prefer Boomers as managers.
Companies willing to accept Gen Z’s work values and outlooks may find themselves at an advantage when it comes to recruiting young talent. The labor market is nearing the moment when Generation Z surpasses the total number of Baby Boomers participating in the workforce, an economic switchup estimated to occur over the course of this year.
The demographic change will force employers to adapt to the distinct demands of younger generations. The negative stereotypes are also impacting Gen Z job seekers. 34.4% of Gen Z respondents in an iHire survey published this year “believe employers’ negative stereotypes about their generation impact their job searches/careers.”
By understanding and addressing Gen Z’s challenges, and by looking beyond age stereotypes, employers can establish work environments that achieve greater results in productivity and retention.
