China's Millennial Managers Confronting a Pissed-Off Wave of Gen-Z Staff

China's millennial managers are facing off against an angry wave of Gen-Z employees, who are demanding work values that go against traditional Baby Boomer values.

These new workers have lived through the 2008 recession, skyrocketing college debt and their parents' struggle with poverty. As a result, they seek employment that offers them chances to make a meaningful impact on society.

Gen Z Wants to “Rectify” the Workplace

China's millennial managers are facing off against a furious generation of Gen-Z workers who refuse to abide by the established order. They have taken it upon themselves to fight against exploitative working practices and share their stories of resistance online.

Recently, a hashtag called "post-00s rectifying the workplace" has gained steam on Chinese social media platforms. Dubbed a "rebellion against the system," this movement stands out for its uncompromising commitment to upholding employee rights.

Many Gen Z workers in China resent the oppressive ways Chinese companies enforce a strenuous working culture, including compulsory overtime and unfair pay cuts. Furthermore, they have rebelled against corporate hierarchy which puts their personal needs on hold while creating an unhealthy work-life imbalance.

Rather than quitting their jobs, some Gen Zs are opting for a middle ground of quiet quitting; where they still want to do their tasks but don't feel overburdened. On social media, these young adults are encouraging others to stop asking them for extra work and suggesting they take some time off.

Some Gen Zs are even taking legal action against their employers for unfair labor practices. In one viral WeChat exchange, a 22-year-old in Guangdong province was awarded unpaid wages after she challenged her former boss over the matter.

The post-'00s are a generation that has grown up in an era of unprecedented prosperity, and their online activism is garnering more attention than previous generations' protests against the system. But Wang Jian, professor of political science at the University of San Francisco, cautions that it remains uncertain how far this movement will spread.

As these young adults enter the workforce, it's essential to comprehend their values and how best to utilize them for your company. For instance, Gen Z employees may be more motivated by companies known for being innovative and welcoming of ideas from all employees. Such cultures could give them a sense of autonomy which they believe will lead to their own success. Furthermore, Gen Zers are said to value real-time feedback from managers as this could enable them to gauge their own progress more accurately.

Gen Z Isn’t a Fan of “Hustle”

Recently, Chinese social media platform Weibo launched a hashtag entitled "The Post-2000 Generation Is Rectifying the Workplace." It features posts from Gen Z workers who are determined to make their millennial bosses give in. Their frustration can be documented through intense conversations with managers where they challenge expectations and triumph over them.

This hashtag has become a rallying point for an uptight group of Gen Z workers who are fed up with managers using excessive force in the workplace. They demand respect and dignity be accorded them at all times.

They're also not fans of a culture in which the boss is in control and employees do as they're told. Therefore, they demand their bosses grant them more freedom to pursue their passions.

For millennials, having control of their own time and schedules is paramount to job satisfaction. To meet these needs, many are searching for flexible work arrangements and remote opportunities.

Furthermore, a sense of purpose is essential. They seek jobs that allow them to make an impact in the world.

Gen Z workers prioritize self-care, and they express their feelings more honestly than other generations do. This is particularly pertinent given their upbringing as global citizens which has left them particularly stressed out.

Employers looking to attract and retain Gen Z must create a workplace culture that supports their employees' mental health needs. This includes encouraging employees to practice self-care strategies such as regular check-ins and taking time away when feeling particularly stressed or overwhelmed.

Gen Z is searching for an office environment that encourages them to have fun and be productive. They aspire to work for an organization with a social impact that values diversity and inclusion both internally and externally.

Employers can create a culture that encourages Gen Z to succeed at work by offering flexible work arrangements, giving employees voice in the workplace, and making sure they feel valued and appreciated.

Gen Z Isn’t a Fan of “Mincing Words”

China's millennial managers are facing off against an angry wave of Gen-Z staff who won't work overtime without extreme coercion and will use threatening language to get their way. Their frustration has been documented on Weibo through the popular hashtag "The Post-2000 Generation Is Rectifying the Workplace," which has garnered over 14.8 million views as of February 22.

Though its exact source remains unknown, this trend suggests Gen Z workers don't want to be labeled a nihilistic generation who doesn't value the workplace and are actively trying to reform it. If they play their cards right, Gen Z could become the dominant workforce for years ahead, replacing Baby Boomers who had long held that position. That would certainly be an interesting development!

Gen Z Isn’t a Fan of “Dues”

Gen Z is known for their affinity for technology and are also highly daring individuals. Having grown up with unlimited access to the web and countless opportunities that would have been inaccessible for previous generations, these young people now seek to use their power and influence for good.

As a result, they're advocating for changes that can make the world a better place. Companies should publicly demonstrate their support for Black Lives Matter or Ukraine's fight against Russian invasion, and CEOs need to become more politically aware in the workplace. They cannot sit idly by while their bosses donate to political campaigns or make statements in all-hands meetings that contradict their beliefs. That is why it is essential for businesses to comprehend Gen Z as a group and their unique perspective on the workplace. Businesses can avoid many potential conflicts between different generations in the workplace by adopting effective strategies. Enjoy! And thank you for listening - we'll see you again soon. For even more advice on managing employees, take a look at our eBook: The Multi-Generational Manager!