The workplace can be weird. There are little things, like making sure your personal brand is top notch with a professional headshot, and big things too, like figuring out how to leave work stress at the office so you can maintain a positive work/life balance. Plus, with a new generation of employees entering the workforce, it’s more important than ever to find ways to get along with coworkers of all ages, and a new study from Monster has some *very* interesting insights into what Gen Z is looking for at work.
According to the study, Gen Z could be chock full of future #girlbosses, noting that entrepreneurship is a big deal, with 76 percent of Gen Z respondents seeing themselves as the owners of their careers. In addition, 49 percent want to own their own business, compared to just 32 percent across all working generations.
Another interesting attribute that differentiates Gen Z over Millennials? Gen Z tends to value benefits and security more, much like the Boomer and X generations. “As I talk to many employers, the focus is still on Millennials, with a lot of questions about perks like nap pods and free lunches. However, a common theme we saw in the report is Gen Z’s emphasis on some of the more ‘traditional’ benefits like health insurance and a quality, two-way relationship with their potential manager,” said Seth Matheson, director of talent fusion by Monster.
It’s obvious in the report that what’s important to one generation is likely totally different than another. So with four generations currently in the workforce, we wanted to know how anyone, no matter what age or where they are in their career, can thrive in their nine-to-five. Scroll on for Matheson’s top tips.
1. Know what’s important to you. “Take the time to document — yes, write it down — what’s important to you. Make sure to stay true to YOU, and not what an employer wants in you. Then be ready to share with your potential employers or ask questions to see how closely you are aligned,” says Seth. He suggests repeating this practice every year, and when your alignment starts to veer, don’t panic. Instead, come up with ideas to reign it in.
2. Be humble. “Your view, while important, is not the only one in the room. Make sure you are heard, but don’t rule out what everyone else has said,” notes Seth. After all, we all have the ability to learn from every idea, good or bad.
3. Relax about the Benjamins. Let’s be real; being properly compensated for your work is V important. Seth advises, “When it’s time to talk money — job offer, raise, promotion — take a breath. List why you’re worth it and be very honest with yourself. Then be confident and direct in sharing the reasons why. These conversations should never be in passing. Schedule the conversation, provide your agenda beforehand and clearly articulate your ask. The answer may be no, but you should be comfortable asking for help.”
4. Keep things in perspective. “Your job will, at some point, become less enjoyable than you had hoped. It will pass. But it’s your job to find ways to enjoy your work — you actually do have the ability to influence the fun.”
(Photos via Monster and Getty)
