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generational enthusiasm
I work for a healthcare nonprofit and have had some conflicts between five generations of employees. For example, we have a Gen Z employee who passionately holds strong views in support of: Anti-racism, anti-capitalism, anti-establishment, anti-colonialism. These views are not necessarily problematic and in some cases align well with the organization's values.
However, this person is alienating his colleagues because of the way he communicates these views. She sends her strongly worded emails, shares unsolicited links to her resources, and posts her signs in line with her own opinions in her break area. She can come across as self-righteous, critical, and sometimes naive. People sometimes shy away from her interactions, feeling that she is ignorant or that she is stupid. This is her first job after her higher education. When she's been working for a while, she tends to learn that not everyone in the workplace has the same opinion, and that's okay. How can she balance her desire for self-expression, advocacy, and activism while remaining focused on the task at hand and maintaining professional boundaries and a positive work environment for everyone? ?
– Anonymous
I don't know if generational issues are the only thing you're facing with your Gen Z employees. She clearly has a passion for social justice and I'm glad your organization is willing to create a space for her to bring her whole self to her work. But she also needs guidance on how and when to bring her advocacy into the workplace, how to meet her professional responsibilities, and how to respect the boundaries of others. Sit down with her and share what she wrote in her letter. Let her know that you are not trying to change her and that she is not just sharing her opinion. If you want people to respect your beliefs, you must respect the beliefs of others. She also needs to realize that not everyone shares her passion or wants to discuss these issues at her workplace. You are her colleague, not her follower. We can and should learn from each other, but every interaction doesn't have to be so intensely didactic. And ultimately, she was hired to do her job, and it's important that she doesn't lose sight of that.
remote etiquette
I lived in California for eight years before my brother was diagnosed with cancer. I decided to move to Arizona to help care for my brother. I had been working in my new role for about six months when my brother was diagnosed, and my company offered to let me work remotely.
I go back to California four or five times a year for work. On her recent Zoom call with coworkers, we talked about happy hours and how we always “have fun” with coworkers outside of work when we're in California. I like to take advantage of these trips outside of work hours to visit old friends and family. You don't want to spend time with your coworkers outside of normal work hours, but your company is paying for the flight, so you're reluctant to say no. Since my job pays for travel, am I more obligated to attend these social gatherings? Should I be honest and say I want to keep my coworker's time within work hours, or? Should I lie and say I'm busy every night?
– Anonymous
The only time you are obligated to work is when you travel to California. They're paying for your flight because you're going there for work. That way, they won't take away all your free time. I suspect your coworkers are trying to make you feel welcome and offer social options in case you don't know anyone in the area. It's true that you can be honest and say you don't want to date, but that can create unnecessary tension. Another truth is that you've already made plans for the evening during your stay, but the generous invitation is very much appreciated.