Gen Z has over time been criticised for their work-life balance, with some of them reportedly refusing to go to traditional offices to work.
But despite this, a recent poll has revealed that only 45% of Gen Z feel they have achieved a good work-life balance, which is significantly lower than those in the final stretch of their careers. So what are they doing differently?
Gen Z business owner and CEO of Girls on the Go, Vicky Owens, has revealed the unusual rules she enforces on her team in a way that is more tailored for the younger generations.
In terms of communicating with her team, she said the most used used formats were simple text messages and FaceTime calls, as it’s easy and convenient
“Our offices ranges from coffee shops, our beds, sofas or anywhere between. Everyone feels productive in different spaces and to say you need to sit at a desk to do your best work is unrealistic and outdated,” Vicky said.
She went on to her second point, where she claimed that flexible working hours are key for running a productive team. She explained that everyone feels productive at different times of the day.
“I like waking up early and getting most of my work done by 7pm, my team feel more productive after 10pm . As long as the work gets done and schedules are met, why does it matter what time of day it is?” Vicky said.
In terms of communicating with her team, Vicky said the most used used forms of communications in the company were simple text messages and FaceTime calls, as it’s easy and convenient
Vicky also revealed she and the team have a more relaxed tone when speaking with each other compared to other work places, saying: “I also hate corporate language, say slay if you want girl, as long as you’re professional.”
Her relaxed feeling about being professional also includes the dress code, as there is none. The main reason for this is the fact that everyone is working from home.
“I’m sorry, but who wants to sit at home in jeans for no reason?” she said. “I can’t tell you the number of serious meetings I’ve gone to in joggers and I still get taken just as seriously.”
She went on to defend all of her managing choices by saying that giving your team more freedom and flexibility doesn’t make it a worse working environment.
“People have lives, we don’t live to work anymore,” she said. “Treating staff and team like they’re actual human beings rather than robots is, in my humble opinion, a much better way to lead a team.”
