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The newest generation to join the workforce is Generation Z. According to Pew Research Center, Generation Z refers to people born between 1997 and 2012. While we don’t want to generalize too much about generations – they’re comprised of unique individuals! – it can be helpful to understand some general themes that tend to be true for most people in the generation.

To get some insights about what it’s like to be a Gen Zer in the workplace, we talked to five Gen Zers in different industries and career stages across the United States. Just like every generation, they want to be seen, heard, and valued at work, and they want recognition for their contributions. Our Gen Zers tend to not want to have their time wasted, and the majority of them liked being part of connected teams.

Surprisingly for a generation that has a reputation for only wanting to communicate over text and social media, there was no trend in how our interviewees liked to be communicated with. Some preferred email, some preferred phone calls, some wanted direct in-person communication, and some favored messaging platforms like Microsoft Teams. Clearly, we need to get to know each individual and ask questions to understand the best ways to communicate with them.

Like many generations before them, these young workers feel that their opinions, insights, and ideas are sometimes not taken seriously because of their age. We haven’t made as much progress on that front as we would have hoped! However, this generation seems very confident and competent, and they expect to be listened to.

In this episode’s listener question, we’re asked how to help a bad boss change their leadership style if they’re not open to feedback or suggestions. In the news, a cocktail server is bringing a lawsuit against her former employer after they terminated her for not wearing high heels, despite her request for accommodation due to plantar fasciitis.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• ”Defining generations: Where Millennials end and Generation Z begins”
• ”Engaging the Workforce Across Generations”
• Episode 213, “Working with Bad Bosses”
• ”High heel dress code lawsuit may proceed, judge says”
• SHRM credit evaluation – the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on June 30, 2026
• JoyPowered® Patreon Page
• JoyPowered® on LinkedIn
• JoyPowered® on Instagram
• Email JoyPowered®

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