Running a business means wearing many hats, but one of the most challenging aspects of being a boss is managing employees with diverse backgrounds, work ethics, and expectations. Recently, I’ve found myself learning a lot about the intricacies of working with Gen-Z employees. Let me tell you, they’ve given me a run for my money—forcing me to tweak my management style in ways I never expected.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the sense of urgency that many of us grew up associating with work doesn’t always seem to resonate with Gen-Z. They often operate on their own timelines, and while this can sometimes bring a fresh perspective, it can also clash with the fast-paced demands of running a business.
Let me share an experience that still leaves me shaking my head. One night, at 3 AM, I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. Half-asleep and panicked, I answered the call thinking something terrible had happened. I’ve always told my employees that they can reach out to me in emergencies, so naturally, my heart was racing.
On the other end of the line, I heard music blasting. It was one of my employees. She said, “Alejandra, I’m at a party, can you hear me?” My heart dropped as I thought she might be in trouble. I replied, “Yes, I can hear you. Are you okay?” Her response? “I know I’m supposed to open tomorrow at 10 AM, but I’m still at this party and very drunk. I don’t know if I’ll wake up on time.”
Dumbfounded doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt. I told her firmly, “You are expected to be at work to open at 10 AM. I’m going back to sleep, and there will be consequences if you do not show up.”
Shockingly, she showed up to work on time. But that wasn’t the end of the story. Shortly after we opened, I received a text from a client who mentioned that the store reeked of alcohol. I drove to the store to investigate, only to find my employee visibly hungover, throwing up, and completely unfit to work. I had no choice but to send her home.
Experiences like this have taught me a lot about the complexities of managing Gen-Z employees. While every individual is different, I’ve noticed some recurring themes:
1. Boundaries Matter: Gen-Z seems to blur the lines between personal and professional lives in ways that older generations might not. As a boss, I’ve had to redefine my boundaries to ensure that emergencies are truly treated as emergencies.
2. Accountability is Key: While flexibility is appreciated, accountability must remain at the forefront. Employees need to understand that actions have consequences—whether that’s showing up hungover or failing to meet deadlines.
3. Open Communication: Despite the challenges, I’ve learned that honest conversations can go a long way. Gen-Z values authenticity and transparency, and they’re more likely to respond positively to constructive feedback when it’s delivered in a respectful manner.
4. Adaptability as a Leader: Managing Gen-Z employees has forced me to rethink traditional workplace structures. They thrive on collaboration, meaningful work, and opportunities for growth, so I’ve started incorporating these elements into my business where possible.
Being a boss means continuously learning and evolving. While moments like that 3 AM call can be frustrating (and downright baffling), they’ve also pushed me to grow as a leader. Working with Gen-Z employees may come with its challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to bridge generational gaps, foster understanding, and build a team that’s resilient and dynamic.
At the end of the day, every experience—good or bad—adds another layer to my journey as a business owner. And while Gen-Z may keep me on my toes, I’m learning to appreciate the fresh energy they bring to the workplace… even if it means taking a deep breath and counting to ten every now and then.
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Alejandra