Inter-Generational Problems at Work

A report from Indeed this year reveals the following: Gen Z is seen as “entitled” and “unprofessional”—even by themselves—while older workers are stereotyped as “rigid” or “slow.” Yet 72% of employers agree: multigenerational teams outperform homogeneous ones. 

The report raises the following points: 

•  Gen Z's Reputation Problem: 55% of employers say Gen Z lacks soft skills—yet onboarding rarely addresses communication or professionalism gaps (i.e., forms do not convey atmosphere). 

•  Ageism Is a Two-Way Street: 43% of Boomers feel overlooked, and 36% of managers admit age bias shapes hiring decisions. 

•  Multigenerational Wins: 72% of jobseekers and 77% of employers say age-diverse teams improve innovation, collaboration, and team performance (perhaps because of the back-and-forth sharing of accumulated wisdom and new technical knowledge). 

•  Skills-First over Age-First: 61% support skills-based hiring, but Gen Z says 40% of job descriptions still unfairly exclude them.