Gen Z workers mystify their bosses—Here’s what they really want in the workplace

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Good morning! Ah, Gen Z. The cohort has been befuddling bosses for a few years now, launching thousands of hand-wringing headlines about how to manage the youngest generation of adult workers. Immune to the “lean in” ethos that defined the early-career millennials, this generation is less interested in the corner office and more interested in work life balance. Some employers have found their demands outrageous, sparking accusations of entitled and fragile workers who expect an emotional support group rather than a staff meeting. But as baby boomers continue to retire and Gen Z continues to enter the labor market, smart workplaces would be wise to take note of what this generation really wants, writes my colleague Beth Greenfield, which includes mental health support, instantaneous feedback and a sense of what their company is really all about.  Gen Z grew up online and came of age during the pandemic, prompting them to think more seriously about their mental health. That often manifests in a greater interest in wellness benefits than other generations, and a tendency to speak up when they’re uncomfortable. That can be annoying to bosses who toiled in silence as they climbed their way up the corporate ladder, says Corey Seemiller, generational researcher, leadership educator, and coauthor of Generation Z: A Century in the Making. But she adds that it can benefit the entire workforce. “The fact that they’re drawing attention to this is helping everybody, because it’s making work-life balance a priority for older generations like mine,” she says. Younger workers also often need more timely feedback than a single annual review. That’s especially true in the era of hybrid work. Ongoing conversations with a manager feels less intimidating than being summoned into a sit-down meeting to be criticized. And finally, giving younger workers a sense of where they fit into the vision and strategy of a company is key. “They don’t want to be just an indiscriminate cog in the wheel. They want to have an idea of how they fit,” says Seemiller. “That sometimes takes time—but it also creates a lot more buy-in than you would ever imagine.” You can read more about bridging the gap between older bosses and Gen Z here. Azure Gilman azure.gilman@fortune.com Today’s edition was curated by Emma Burleigh.

Reporting By Azure Gilman, Emma Burleigh

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