For decades, office culture didn’t really change. However, the office landscape looks vastly different today, and some of the previous norms have become a thing of the past. In today’s world of work, there are 19 outdated office norms that Millennials and Gen Z won’t accept anymore.
9 to 5 workdays
For almost a century, traditional jobs meant working 9 to 5. However, thanks to Millenials and Gen Z, everything has changed, and we’re more productive because of it. Employees today require greater flexibility, and Harvard Business Review says that 80% of workers would now turn down a job that didn’t offer a flexible work schedule.
Strict dress codes
Although it’s still important to look presentable, strict dress codes are irrelevant for most jobs these days. Your outfit of choice has no reflection on your performance, with Millenials and Gen Z keen on enforcing this. Lots of workplaces have relaxed rules about what you can wear to work.
Low wages
Especially in today’s cost of living crisis, we can no longer accept low wages. Research has found that only 34% of Americans say they are extremely satisfied with their wage. Millennials and Gen Z are more comfortable asking for a pay rise and confident leaving a position they believe doesn’t pay them well enough.
Limited career growth opportunities
Employees will no longer wait around for long to climb the career ladder. If opportunities for career growth are limited, they will quickly look elsewhere. This is highlighted by reports which state that 74% of Gen Z and Millennials plan to leave their job within a year due to lack of opportunity for career progression.
The need to work from the office
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that working from home is just as productive as working from the office. It was once a social norm to travel into the office every day, but office occupancy is now 50% of what it was pre-Covid.
Office hierarchy
The workplace used to have a hierarchy that extended beyond the managerial pecking order. Those who had worked in a position longer or were of an older age were often viewed as superior to younger generations just entering the world of work. Now, these things don’t matter.
Limited vacation days
While previous generations would work the entire year without taking time off for vacation, Millennials and Gen Z are taking a stand against limited vacation days. Generous vacation policies are better for employees’ well-being and have been shown to enhance productivity in the workplace.
Closed-door policies
Transparent communication is essential in the office today. Private meetings and secretive decision-making are a thing of the past, as instead, Millennials and Gen Z encourage open-door policies. A collaborative team effort where everyone has the right to voice their opinion is extremely favored.
Micromanagement
Millennials and Gen Z are feeling empowered in the workplace and reject attempts of micromanagement, quick to abandon ship if they don’t feel trusted or valued in the office. As a result, this generation has more autonomy in the workplace, takes control of their own work, and has a certain level of decision-making.
Annual performance reviews
Annual performance reviews have never been productive for any employee. They either showcase why you’re already performing great in your job or, alternatively, highlight what you’re not doing, which, let’s be honest, just annoys us. Regular feedback is preferred for continuous development.
Cubicle farms
In contrast to the cubicle farms of the past, most office environments are now open-plan. Although this has been shown to decrease productivity, it does boost employee well-being, which is of huge importance in the modern office. Employees now need to feel a sense of connection and collaboration with those they work with.
Strict attendance policies
Gen Z and Millennials require flexibility in their job roles and no longer conform to strict attendance policies. They are more likely to take sick days when they need them, and many workplaces now also offer mental health days as part of their benefits. Employees can always make up their time another day or even work remotely from home.
Limited benefits packages
For Millennials and Gen Z on the job market, salary is no longer the singular attractive feature of a position. Those searching for a job are now also enticed by generous benefits packages, which play a major role in job satisfaction. Many people will stay at a company due to their benefits package.
Corporate culture
Traditional corporate culture is out the window; instead, offices experience more inclusivity and diversity. Exclusive corporate environments are boycotted in favor of an office environment that promotes equality and a sense of belonging. Norms, values and behaviors of today’s businesses are foreign to those previous generations knew.
Paper-based processes
Dubbed the sustainability generations, Millennials and Gen Z are all about being eco-friendly. The office environment is one that uses a lot of unnecessary paper, and now that we can do everything digitally, paper-based processes are being rejected. Online workflows not only reduce waste but also increase efficiency.
Closed-mindedness
Millennials and Gen Z are both extremely open-minded generations but there are still some workplaces that are stuffy with outdated opinions. These closed-minded attitudes are just not accepted and there is a new appreciation for diversity of thought. These generations have no respect for anyone who isn’t open-minded.
Top-down decision-making
Gone are the days when decisions came exclusively from the top. Offices are now more of a democracy than a dictatorship, and employees often have the opportunity to share their opinions and help in the decision-making process. Employees feel valued when they feel like their point of view is important.
Lack of work-life balance
There are more opportunities available today than ever before, so people will no longer stick to a job that doesn’t have a decent work-life balance. Mental wellbeing is a top priority for today’s generations and a great work-life balance is the best way to support this. They will not prioritize work at the expense of their personal life – good on them for that.
Lack of technology
This tech generation utilizes technology in the workplace well. Technology and digital tools enhance productivity and efficiency, making them a new requirement in the workplace. Millennials and Gen Z find it difficult to work in an office with outdated technology and need this integration to perform well.
Up Next: 19 Things You Didn’t Realize Are Against The Law
Most laws are common sense, like those involving theft, property damage, or violence, but there are many lesser-known regulations that most people aren’t even aware of. This article reveals 19 illegal acts that may inadvertently turn you into a common criminal. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it!
19 Things You Didn’t Realize Are Against The Law
18 Most Common Reasons Why Women Leave Their Husbands
All women have different preferences when it comes to their relationships and marriages. However, there are many universal behaviors, traits, and habits that commonly drive them to divorce. This list unveils the 18 most common reasons why women leave their husbands.
18 Most Common Reasons Why Women Leave Their Husbands
17 Behaviors That Make People Think Less of You
If you want to be accepted by those around you, you have to behave in certain ways. Obviously, you should still be yourself, but there are certain social ‘rules’ people should abide by, like avoiding these 17 behaviors that make people think less of you.