April 2024
Gen Z is in the management space, and these young leaders prioritize mental health and work-life balance, introducing practices like “mindfulness Fridays” and "heart checks" to support their team. Having experienced the disruptions of the pandemic as they entered the workforce, Gen Z is reshaping workplace norms, emphasizing emotional intelligence, openness, and individual strengths over traditional hierarchies. (The Wall Street Journal)
The inefficacy of meetings is spurring companies to enforce “no-meeting days” as standard practice. Nearly three out of four of employees feel that most meetings do not encourage collaboration, nor disseminate information, nor accomplish tasks. Cutting meeting times in half, making sure there is an agenda beforehand, and assigning a facilitator can mitigate the meeting fatigue. (Fortune)
One in five U.K. employees are working from home more often in order to avoid annoying colleagues. Oversharing, gossiping, and swearing are often instigators for staying in. That said, over half (55%) of employees say being informal at work makes it more enjoyable. For employers, cultivating a balance between “personal” and “professional” is key to a comfortable and productive workplace. (Startups Magazine)
Companies’ investment in childcare is proving to be a boon, with ROIs as high as 425% and three quarters of employees saying that the peace of mind has helped their work performance. Up to 86% of respondents to a recent survey said that they were more likely to stay with their employer because of childcare perks. Employers will do well by designing benefits to meet the needs of parents. (Boston Consulting Group)
Millennial women are leveraging Facebook Groups for career advice, turning to the platform for referrals, interview tips, and mentorship. Advice-seekers feel too exposed to their colleagues on LinkedIn, and Facebook provides them with a casual space that allows for anonymity and diverse perspectives. (Fast Company)
One third of workers aged 18-24 report that they suffer from mental health issues– an increase from the one quarter who said the same in 2000. Despite generational stereotypes of less-resilient youth, studies show that Gen Z’s anxiety is often a result of sleep deprivation, social deprivation, attention deficiency, and addiction, of which social media may be a significant cause. (The Guardian)
For Gen Z, working more than one job to curb financial anxiety is normal. Fully 69% of Gen Z workers describe their financial situation as “fair” or worse, with 32% saying it is “poor” or “very poor.” As the oldest of the generation ages out of their parents’ health care plans, young workers take on gigs and side hustles to feel more secure about their future. (GOBankingRates)
Younger workers’ casual language is clashing with traditional notions of professionalism in the workplace While there's a push for more authenticity and candor at work, learning to balance personal expression with professionalism remains essential for career success, as poor communication is a critical factor in hindering career progress. (BBC)