OK boomers, let me tell you why you're having a hard time hiring Gen Z
Hey Boomer Bosses,
Hope this post vibes with you and sparks an open convo between different work gens. It's high time we chat about some things that make us Zoomers feel distant from your companies. We're here to grind, but there are a few reasons why your workplaces don't pass the vibe check.
First up, let's talk about the bread. We're not just after some extra cash; we need a paycheck that covers our basics. It's a major ick when companies are boujee and underpay their workers. It's time to step up and offer fair bread.
Benefits, man, that's a biggie. Lots of us are drowning in student debt and dealing with crazy healthcare costs. When companies don't come through with benefits, it's a giant red flag. We can't be shelling out our nonexistent life savings for health insurance; that's not a cool future with your employees.
Shady business practices? Not cool, bro. Telling us not to spill the tea on our pay is just not right, and it's illegal. It's like a neon sign saying you're either underpaying OG employees or lowballing the newbies. That's hella sus. And capping about job hours in interviews? Kills the vibe. If you're not on god with us from the get-go, it's hard to trust you later.
Expecting us to be on call 24/7, even when we're off the clock? Not gonna fly. We've got lives outside work, and we value our time. Texts and emails might be the way to slide into our DMs, but it doesn't mean we're always on the clock. If we're not getting paid, we're not working or talking about work. We’re not corporate simps like the gens before us.
These are just some of the reg workplace issues that make us feel distant from your companies. Gen Z puts employees first, and we're not down for less. Pay us the cash we need to live. Give us benefits, be deadass with us, and respect our personal time.
It's not about dissing your gen; it's about finding common ground and building workplaces that vibe with the new wave. We're ready to hustle, but it's time for you to meet us halfway.
Here’s a translation for any boomers I lost:
Dear Boomer Employers,
I hope this post finds you well and opens a candid dialogue between generations in the workforce. It's time we address some issues that have caused a disconnect between your companies and Zoomers like me. We're here to work, but there are several reasons why we often find your workplaces unattractive.
First and foremost, it's the issue of living wages. We're not just looking for pocket money; we need a paycheck that covers our basic needs. It's frustrating to see companies cut corners and pay their employees less than they deserve. It's time to step up and offer fair compensation.
Benefits are another major concern. Many of us are dealing with student debt and rising healthcare costs. When companies don't provide benefits, it's like a slap in the face. We can't afford to pay our entire health insurance premiums out of our pockets, and that doesn't make for a promising future with your organization.
Shady business moves also play a role. Telling employees not to discuss pay with each other is not only unethical but also illegal. It sends a clear message that you're either underpaying tenured employees or underpaying certain new hires, and that's not a good look. Similarly, lying about job hours during interviews erodes trust. If you're dishonest before we even join, it's hard to believe you'll be transparent later.
Expecting us to be available 24/7, even when we're off the clock, is unrealistic. We have lives outside of work, and we value our time. Texts and emails might be the most effective way to reach us, but that doesn't mean we're on call around the clock. When we're not getting paid, we won't be working or discussing work-related matters.
These are just some of the common workforce issues that drive a wedge between us and your companies. Gen Z is an employee-first generation, and we won't settle for less. We want fair pay, benefits, transparency, and respect for our personal time.
It's not about criticizing your generation; it's about finding common ground and creating workplaces that cater to the needs and expectations of the new generation. We're willing to work hard, but it's time for employers to meet us halfway.
Willard Harris is a member of Generation Z who lives in Branson and works in Springfield.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Struggling to hire Gen Z? Here's why they don't want to work for you
