The Gen Z guide to getting ahead at work

The rules of getting ahead at work have become more complex, and that may be especially daunting for people just starting their careers. The evolving world of work since the pandemic has changed how people operate, with some doing their jobs in hybrid and remote environments, having access to AI and relying on videoconferencing and instant messaging. Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, is expected to make up more than 32 percent of the workforce by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the latest group of grads entering the workforce now. As they enter the workforce, there are some things they can do to improve their chances of success. Advertisement Don’t be afraid to ask questions During your first days, ask where to find sources of information, what communication tools the company uses, how to get face time with colleagues and supervisors, and where to go if you have a problem. “You may be uncomfortable, but people won’t know you have a question if you don’t ask,” said Paaras Parker, chief human resource officer at Paycor, which provides HR and payroll software. Traci Wilk, chief people officer at educational childcare company The Learning Experience, who has more than 25 years in HR at companies including Starbucks and Coach, said Gen Z often struggles with the fear of looking like they don’t know something that they should. Ask regardless, and request and be open to feedback, she said. Matt Abrahams, who teaches strategic communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, said it’s fair to ask about what makes people successful at your company. Lean into that,” he said. Advertisement Be thoughtful about AI When it comes to AI, first find out whether your employer has policies for it. Some companies may allow its use, with stipulations like not providing it customer information, while others may outright ban it. But view AI as a tool to assist you with your work, not one to do your work, experts said. Janine Pelosi, CEO of video tech company Neat and former executive at Zoom, said AI could help with brainstorming if you draw completely blank. “I can tell when someone drafts a communication, and it’s written by ChatGPT,” Wilk said. “That’s not something I want to see.” Use your gut on how much to trust its output, Paaras said. Also consider the ramifications for using it for a specific task, Abrahams said. Just because you’re comfortable using AI doesn’t mean others are, so be prepared to do things differently, Abrahams said. Share your thoughts As a young person entering the workplace with new ideas and fresh eyes and perspectives, you have unique value, experts said. That could look like sharing tools or shortcuts you know within apps, ideas or stories about how you’ve solved problems in the past, Paaras said. “You’re seeing things for the first time, and you can highlight that,” Abrahams said. “Focus on the value you bring.” Advertisement Get to know people Set time aside for chatting, by video or in person, with your colleagues and supervisor. “Your presence needs to be felt by others,” Wilk said. Be ready with thoughts, questions and goals for the conversation, Wilk said. When in doubt, remember people love to talk about themselves, she added. Get a sense of what someone’s working on, what’s important to them or check out their LinkedIn profile, Abrahams said. “You have to invest in people, whether it’s over Zoom or in the office,” Paaras said. But pay attention to context, Abrahams said, as Gen Z has a habit of instantly responding without reflection. Go the extra mile Regardless of where you work, make yourself indispensable and unforgettable, Wilk said. Turn on your camera in virtual meetings to make a better connection, Pelosi said. And don’t be a ghost; speak up, especially if you’re remote, she added. “Do the things that help you stand out,” she said. If you don’t know what to say in a meeting, ask a question or paraphrase your understanding of what’s been said, Abrahams said. Take the extra assignment, do the extra travel, volunteer for the culture team, Pelosi said. Consider sending emails after a video call, summarizing the discussion and expressing enthusiasm to connect again, Wilk said. When it comes to bosses, try to connect every day, even if it’s a casual conversation welcoming them back from vacation and updating them on what you’ve been working on. Offer to help with big projects, vs. waiting to be asked. “It’s easy when you work remotely to stay out of sight,” Wilk said. “Find ways to stay within sight.” Show up on time, dress appropriately and when virtual, keep a clean background, have good lighting and check your sound quality, Abrahams said. Consider starting your introduction with what you’re passionate about before your name so people remember you, he said. Advertisement Tap TikTok For common issues, there’s always an answer just a tap away. Friends, family and friends of friends have life experience that may help you. If you’re uncomfortable asking at work, ask people in your circle, Wilk said. – This Summarize was created by Neural News AI (V1). Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/08/26/gen-z-work-tips/