Older workers (Baby Boomers) and younger workers (Millennials) often behave differently at work. In this article, I will look at 16 things some older workers do that can really annoy younger workers. Not every older person does these things, and not every young person gets upset by them. However, these are common problems that occur in many workplaces.
Insisting on Phone Calls
Some Boomers prefer talking on the phone instead of sending a quick email or message. This can be frustrating for Millennials who like to have information in writing. Phone calls can interrupt workflow and make it feel less efficient to ask quick questions or provide updates.
Printing Everything
Boomers often print out emails, reports, and other documents. This can seem wasteful to Millennials, who are used to working digitally. It also takes up more space and can quickly get information lost or outdated.
Resistance to New Technology
Some Boomers are slow to adopt new software or tools. They might stick to old ways of doing things, even when there are faster or better options available. This can slow down teamwork and make projects take longer.
Long, Unnecessary Meetings
Boomers sometimes schedule meetings for things that could be handled in an email. They might also let meetings run long without a clear agenda. Millennials often prefer quick, focused meetings or digital communication.
Expecting Face Time
Some Boomers think being in the office equals being productive. They might not understand or trust remote work. This can be frustrating for Millennials who value flexibility and judge work by results, not hours at a desk.
Formal Communication Style
Boomers might use more formal language in emails or conversations. They might start emails with “Dear” and sign off with full names. Millennials often prefer a more casual, to-the-point style of communication.
Micromanaging
Some Boomer managers like to closely oversee every detail of a project. They might check in constantly or want frequent updates. Millennials often prefer more independence and trust in their work.
Ignoring Work-Life Balance
Boomers might expect employees to always be available, even after work hours. They might not understand the importance of disconnecting from work. This can clash with Millennials’ desire for a better work-life balance.
Dismissing New Ideas
Some Boomers stick to the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. They might be quick to shoot down new ideas or approaches. This can be frustrating for Millennials who want to innovate and improve processes.
Overreliance on Paper Files
Boomers might keep important information in physical files instead of digital systems. This can make it hard for others to find information quickly, take up office space, and be unsustainable.
Talking About Retirement… A Lot
Some Boomers frequently discuss their retirement plans. While natural, this can be annoying to Millennials who are just starting their careers and facing different challenges.
Not Understanding Social Media
Boomers might not understand the importance of social media for business. They might see it as a waste of time or not understand how to use it effectively. This can frustrate Millennials, who see social media as a vital tool.
Outdated Dress Code Views
Some Boomers have strict ideas about professional dress. They might not understand more casual or modern office styles. This can lead to unnecessary conflicts about appearance at work.
Expecting Overtime Without Extra Pay
Boomers might expect younger workers to put in extra hours just to prove themselves. They might not realize that Millennials value their personal time and expect to be paid for extra work.
Difficulty with Multitasking
Some Boomers prefer to focus on one task at a time. This can clash with Millennials, who are often used to juggling multiple tasks or projects at once. It can lead to misunderstandings about workload and productivity.
Resisting Feedback
Boomers might not be used to getting frequent feedback on their work. They might see constructive criticism as an attack rather than a chance to improve. This can make it hard for Millennials to work with them or manage them effectively.
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