The debate over whether Gen X managers are effective in managing Gen Z employees has been sparked by a TikTok video shared by millennial boss Rachel Lynch. In the video, Lynch describes an incident at a sandwich shop where a Gen Z teenager was reportedly berated by her older boss for forgetting orders. Lynch believes that bosses need to learn to work with younger people, specifically Gen Z, who she describes as more soft and fragile, and who prefer collaborative work environments rather than being yelled at.
The video received mixed reactions from viewers, with some agreeing with Lynch that employers need to be more understanding and patient with younger employees, while others took a more critical stance towards Gen Z. Some commenters expressed frustration with what they perceive as entitlement and lack of work ethic in Gen Z employees, and believed that harsher management techniques are necessary to get through to them. However, others felt that the blame should be placed on the employer for not adequately training the staff member or providing the necessary tools for her to succeed in her job.
One commenter highlighted the common experience of feeling overwhelmed and lacking resilience when starting a new job, and emphasized that this is not specific to any particular generation but rather a part of growing up and gaining confidence. Another commenter pointed out that crying after being yelled at is not a new phenomenon, but with social media, these incidents are now more visible and can lead to public scrutiny and judgment. Ultimately, some viewers concluded that the incident at the sandwich shop was less about generational differences and more about the individual employee’s performance.
The debate over how to effectively manage and communicate with younger employees in the workforce is ongoing, with differing opinions on whether Gen X managers are out of touch or Gen Z employees are not cut out for the demands of the workplace. While some believe that a more understanding and collaborative approach is needed, others argue that tough love and direct communication are necessary to ensure productivity and accountability. It is clear that there are diverse perspectives on this issue, and finding the right balance between support and discipline in managing intergenerational teams remains a challenge for employers. Overall, the incident at the sandwich shop has sparked a conversation about generational differences in the workplace and how best to navigate them for a harmonious and productive working environment.
