Forget the corner office and the power suit. Buckle up for a new breed of leader: Gen Z bosses are shaking things up, and it's not your typical workplace makeover. From prioritizing mental health to ditching the dress code, these young leaders are reshaping the work experience – for better or worse.
A Startup Oasis: Mindfulness Fridays and Heart Checks
Take August, a menstrual care products company, for example. Here, employees unwind with "mindfulness Fridays," workdays dedicated to focused tasks without the pressure of meetings. The company also boasts "heart checks," quarterly meetings where managers gauge employee well-being and discuss workload and compensation.
This unique approach stems from the founders themselves – Nadya Okamoto (26) and Nick Jain (24), both Gen Z graduates who witnessed a global pandemic redefine work-life balance. Openly discussing her own experience with borderline personality disorder, Okamoto emphasizes slowing down and prioritizing mental health – a stark contrast to the hustle culture often associated with startups.
Shaped by Crisis: Gen Z Redefines Work
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z entered a workplace forever altered by a global health crisis and social unrest. Witnessing their parents struggle with work-life balance and a lack of mental health support has left a lasting impression. Now, as they climb the management ladder, they're rewriting the rules.
The Challenge: Are They Ready to Lead?
However, research paints a mixed picture. Some studies suggest Gen Z workers can be challenging to manage. A ResumeBuilder.com survey found many managers perceive them as lacking skills and motivation, with concerns around dress code, eye contact, and salary expectations.
But is this a generational clash, or a reframing of leadership? Executive coach Scott De Long argues that Gen Z doesn't want to be treated the same way past generations were. They crave a more collaborative, transparent environment, one that ditches the hierarchy and prioritizes mental well-being – a hallmark of their generation.
Therapy on the Calendar: Normalizing Mental Health
Gen Z is leading the charge in normalizing mental health. Compared to older generations, they're twice as likely to seek therapy. At August, therapy appointments are openly scheduled on the company calendar, reflecting the founders' emphasis on mental well-being.
Sneakers and Slack Emojis: Authenticity Takes Center Stage
Erin Burk, a millennial working at August, describes a workplace where employees dash in and out in athleisure, curse freely, and integrate personal lives seamlessly with work. Gone are the days of rigidly compartmentalizing your "authentic self" from your "professional self."
This openness extends to communication. Burk initially found the liberal use of heart emojis on Slack messages unusual, but Gen Z's emotional intelligence shines through. As a Deloitte report highlights, empathy is their second most desired leadership trait, a stark contrast to older managers who prioritize patience.
Emotional Wisdom in Action: Leading by Example
Taylor Fulton-Girgis, a 25-year-old marketing manager, embodies this leadership style. Recognizing the importance of individual work styles, she recently attended an "emotional wisdom retreat" to better understand her team's needs and tailor her management approach.
Similarly, Connor Trombley, a senior vice president, retooled a project timeline upon realizing his expectations were unrealistic for his team. By prioritizing open communication and adjusting his approach, he fostered a better client experience and empowered his team.
The Future of Work: Balancing Flexibility with Productivity
Gen Z bosses are champions of flexibility. Sharon Fenton, a creative-services manager at Trombley's company, appreciates a hybrid work arrangement that allows her to spend time with her young son. However, some, like JLL's John Ulbrich, believe physical presence remains crucial for some roles. He questions the efficiency of remote work for tasks where productivity isn't easily measured.
The Bottom Line: A Work in Progress
While Gen Z's leadership style may seem unconventional, it's undeniable they're driving a workplace revolution. Their focus on mental health, flexibility, and authenticity is reshaping company culture. However, striking a balance between flexibility and productivity remains a challenge. As Gen Z continues to ascend the leadership ladder, the future of work promises to be a fascinating, and likely, occasionally chaotic, experiment.
