A new study paints an alarming picture of workplace relationships by 2025. Inter-generational friction is a major factor.
Gen Z (aged 18-27 years) office workers are more likely than millennials, Gen X and boomers to describe their overall workplace relationship as negative.
As the retirement age is creeping closer, and with many UK organisations now having four generations working together, corporate events and group building specialist , interviewed over 1,000 UK-based office workers about their work relationships and experiences.
‘Differences in communication,’ was the top issue for each generation when asked about their reasons for negative relationships. Gen Z workers were most affected by this, with 74% of them feeling it played a part.
The differences in work styles were also cited by Gen Z, millennials and Gen X workers as a source of friction. The top two things that bug boomers about their colleagues, aside from communication, are priorities and workloads (cited by 57% of respondents) and work ethic and commitment (56 %).
Research also showed workplace tensions arising from differences in values and belief systems among younger workers. Gen Z workers who have negative relationships in the workplace cite attitudes of colleagues towards sustainability as a cause for friction. Two thirds (66%) cite the same attitude towards diversity, equal opportunity and inclusion. This tension was also felt by some millennials, who reported friction with their colleagues about DEI and sustainability.
Tina Benson is the founder and managing director of Team Tactics. She commented on the study: “The results show that there are clear inter-generational tensions in the workplace, but the Gen Z group feels their relationships suffer the most.” It’s not surprising that Gen Z employees have had a difficult time integrating into the workplace, given that they’ve spent less time in the office.
The four-generation workforce can bring many advantages with a vast accumulation of different perspectives, experiences, knowledge and skills. But there are fundamental issues that need to be addressed before businesses can effectively tap into this potential. Four-generational workforces can offer many benefits with their vast array of perspectives, skills, and knowledge. However, there are some fundamental issues to be addressed before businesses can fully tap into the potential .”
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