July 2024
Keep your work socks on– despite the summer heat, it is not fashionable to wear low-cut socks, according to Gen Z. With crew-cut socks selling twice as fast as ankle styles, Millennials are perplexed as to why the “dad look” of the past (think tall socks and New Balances) is suddenly in vogue. (The Wall Street Journal)
“Tattoo regret” is creeping up on aging Gen Zers and it is exacerbated by their visibility on TikTok and other social media. Influencers are now spreading the word and encouraging thoughtful decision-making, so that people may consider how they will feel stepping into a new work environment. (USA Today)
A large cohort of Millennials and Gen Zers are voluntarily choosing to become NEETs (not in employment, education, or training), as they would rather wait for the right job than settle for available but unfulfilling work. This reflects a rejection of hustle culture and an emphasis on prioritizing mental health. Those hiring should make job purpose and career development opportunities attractive for applicants. (Business Insider)
Gen Z’s tardiness is not acceptable according to 70% of Boomers who have zero tolerance for being late. The young employees also miss nearly a quarter of their deadlines, compared to 10% of Gen Xers, and 6% of Boomers. Fortunately, their willingness to go the extra mile proves that this is not out of a lack of respect, but rather a failing of time management, which employers can ameliorate with regular training. (Fortune)
Millennials are well-positioned to aid Gen Z in meeting workplace expectations and help Xers and Boomers understand young workers’ values. Today, 40% of Gen Z employees have a Millennial manager. These leaders have experienced both traditional and modern work environments, giving them the ability to serve as diplomatic arbiters when endeavoring to foster a more cohesive and productive work environment. (Worklife)
Workplace analysis reveals that a majority of employees are unable to be productive for 30 minutes without getting distracted. While the biggest diversions are other employees (71%) and phone notifications (62%), 67% of workers report checking their emails or messages more than 10 times a day, which can also contribute to loss of focus. Most employers are relying on flexible arrangements and encouraging a healthy work-life balance to mitigate this issue. (Insightful)
Millennials and Gen Zers in China are increasingly engaging in “naked resignations”—quitting without another job lined up—to take gap years. Another topical phrase, “two points, one line” indicates the monotonous work commute is taking a toll on young Chinese workers, whose unemployment rate reached 14.9% in December of 2023. As this quitting trend spreads throughout the world, employers may need to start embracing sabbaticals and career re-entry guidance. (Business Insider)
Findings show that 74% of employees cite work as one cause of their mental health issues. Many employees cannot differentiate between burnout, stress, and anxiety, and are prone to leaving before the company takes action. Employers should enact preventative measures to get ahead of negative feelings and encourage workers to take mental health days. (Forbes)