The Generational Divide Between Older and Younger Employees

Abstract

As Erica Lasan sees it, tensions are growing between Baby Boomer and Generation Z workers— and conflicting perspectives on work are to blame. Lasan, a business consultant and career coach based in New York City, explained that many older workers were brought up to believe that employment is a privilege, with the "first one in, last one out" mantra driving their work ethic and being the key to securing their next promotion. Meanwhile, members of Generation Z, who came of professional age during the COVID-19 pandemic, tend to value work/life balance above other factors. "In the minds of Gen Z workers, employers are lucky to have their fresh perspectives, progressive thinking and global mindset," Lasan said. "They understand that their mental and emotional states contribute to their success and ability to produce results, with the 'work to live' mentality driving their work ethic." Older employees, which include Baby Boomers and many Generation X workers, are often left wondering why they didn't have a choice in how they engage with work like their Generation Z counterparts, who have many options when it comes to how and where they work. Unlike the previous generations, Generation Z and younger Millennials no longer have to take on "safe" careers and can follow their passions, Lasan said. This is something older employees feel they didn't get the opportunity to do.