Studies have shown organizations view their younger employees as the most challenging to work with, The Wall Street Journal reported Sept. 2.
Each generation entering the workforce tends to cause confusion with management, and members of Generation Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are no exception, according to the report.
Why have some Gen Z workers caused dissatisfaction with managers? Executives told the Journal it partially stems from their entrance to the workforce. Many Gen Z workers held entirely remote internships during the pandemic, which do not offer side-by-side learning new employees typically need to acclimate and thrive.
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel told the Journal that some workers lack knowledge of workplace norms and what is appropriate, such as not leaving snarky comments on virtual meetings while others are speaking.
Some executives have said younger workers might simply be more vocal about what they want from their employer. For example, Laura Fuentes, Hilton's chief human resources officer, told the Journal younger employees showed interest in receiving pay after each hourly shift. After making that an option, older workers take advantage of the benefit as well.