Easy on Gen Z!

In recent years, it has become noticeably common to hear a lot of complaints directed at Generation Z. You often hear phrases like, "They lack commitment," "They're unreliable", "They change jobs too often", and "They prioritize fast cash over hard work". Additionally, things like “They break down easily”, “They are vocal”, and “They lack attitude".

I’m not going to lie; I was one of those people at times. As someone who has been running a business for a long time and relies on a diverse workforce, I’ve dealt with the impact of these criticisms firsthand. However, the more I engage with Gen Z, the more I realize that instead of merely criticizing, we should seek to understand and adapt to their realities. We, the older generation, have never encountered this situation before; therefore, there is a significant learning curve for us as well. It’s a rarity to manage a younger generation amidst a technological revolution that has narrowed cultural and geographical gaps. I believe it’s essential that we adapt and understand rather than criticize all the time because, believe it or not, we might actually be the problem here.

Why do we feel entitled to criticize Generation Z? Sadly, it often seems we are becoming increasingly narrow minded, believing our perspective is the only valid one. But we must remember an important fact: they are our younger siblings, our children. If there is anyone to blame, I suppose the fingers should be pointed at us first, and I’ll explain why.

Look, Gen Z came into this world at a time when the landscape of life changed drastically. They were raised in a culture defined by technological revolutions, significant cultural shifts, and wide access to information. Now, keep this information aside and bear with me.

Who messed up first in this generational chain? Wasn’t it us? We were their role models; we were supposed to guide and support them, build a healthy environment, and provide loving homes as supportive parents and families. We, the older generation, often obstruct this pursuit, clinging to our traditional values of loyalty and consistency. At the same time, it’s crucial to acknowledge that many parents today struggle to raise their children effectively, often because they themselves were never equipped to understand their children's needs or provide the emotional support required for healthy development. How many Generation Z individuals do you meet who don’t carry the weight of family issues, a reflection of the generational trauma they inherit? The cycle of family trauma persists, and it is self reflection that we need to embrace rather than blame those who are simply responding to their circumstances.

The reality is really harsh. If you want to know, let’s consider the emotional landscape they navigate today. More than ever before, many children face trauma due to unstable home environments. Statistics tell a troubling story here: Back in the 1990s in Indonesia, the divorce rate was estimated to be around 1 to 2% of marriages per year, but now it has escalated significantly in the last 25 years. Estimates indicate that the divorce rate could be as high as 25% yearly. Reports suggested that around 300,000 divorces were filed in 2017 alone. The annual divorce rate trend continued upwards, with divorce becoming a common resolution for marriages facing difficulties. Alongside this, reports indicate that instances of child abuse and neglect have skyrocketed. Recent figures show that this number has climbed, with millions currently experiencing abuse or neglect, according to the National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas Anak). We can only imagine the number of cases that remain unreported, including emotional neglect or abuse. So now I ask you, who is paying the bills here? Aren’t they the children who grew up in these unstable homes? Aren’t they the victims of our wrong choices and decisions?

One from the older generations might say, “Oh, but I have been through similar experiences in the past, and I managed to get through.” Well, Generation Z grew up in a world where they are all too familiar with these harsh realities, which we have contributed to. Unlike back in our times, we did not know any better. 

With just one click on the internet or a visit to social media, they can see countless examples of what a healthy family and upbringing should look like, something we did not have access to back then. So, if they seem more sensitive and fragile, it’s no wonder whose fault that is. How can we not expect them to break down? How can we expect them not to struggle? If we, as their predecessors, settled for less than what we deserved, why should they follow in our footsteps? They know a better reality exists, and they are striving for it.

Moreover, we need to reflect on our work culture. I remember during a lecture in New York in 2018, I said the following: “For many generations, 99% of the jobs were intended to only serve very basic levels of employee needs, which are compensation and decent treatment, nothing more than that. But how things have changed since then! Given that corporates will never become less inhumane and slavery won't just vanish by itself... It’s you! When you decided to become more than just a nine-to-five machine, filling up a gap that thousands of other people can fill just to earn the right to survive. Only then, dear, did you change the whole employee hierarchy of needs. Well, in a different cliché age-old yet true advice: pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you. Let them need you, chase you, reward you. Trust me, this is the only way to keep the balance and stay as far away as possible from the dreams dead zone". 

Now that I'm seeing Generation Z rewriting these rules, seeking a more humane workspace that offers them balance and fulfillment, it actually feels liberating.

While I deeply value the wisdom of the older generations, I believe these values should be imparted to Generation Z through patience, empathy, and understanding. Most of us work to earn a living, and it's only fair that Gen Z seeks a balance between enjoyment and responsibility. Just because we didn’t have the luxury of that balance doesn’t mean they should be deprived of it.

So let's take a step back and reflect. Let’s take it easy on Generation Z. They are navigating a unique set of challenges filled with emotional weight, and instead of blaming them, let us support them in finding their own paths. After all, we brought them into this mad world, and it’s about time we help them thrive in it.

Hisham Hussien