Gen Z, born 1997 to 2012, has only been in the workforce for a few years, but somehow they have already made millennials rethink how they work and live — or at least forced us to notice some habits we never questioned.

If you have struggled working with a Gen Z colleague, this is for you.

I will admit it. Like many millennials, I did not understand Gen Z at first. I had my own moments of confusion. But the more time I spend with them, the more I see qualities that are actually refreshing. And honestly, a lot millennials can learn too. At the same time, they have gaps that older generations can help with. It goes both ways.

Gen Z knows what they want and they do not people please

Many millennials grew up reading self-help books on how to be likeable and how to influence people. The price we paid was learning to push our own needs aside without noticing it.

Gen Z does not do that as much. They are ambitious and clear about what matters to them, and they will not say something just to make you feel good. They say yes when it makes sense to them.

Of course, not every Gen Z person is perfectly self-assured, but as a group they’ve set a different baseline: honesty over obligation.

Gen Z is authentic, sometimes painfully

They can sense nonsense the moment you speak. You can influence them, but manipulation will not get you far.

The easiest way to work with them is simple. Be real. If you cannot share something because it is confidential, say it. If you do not know, just say you do not know. They respect honesty far more than polished corporate talk.

And honestly, I am curious to see what workplaces look like when more Gen Z leaders run things. Their low tolerance for corporate politics could push companies to be cleaner and faster. But they will also learn that some structure exists for a reason. Leadership will teach them that.

Gen Z has boundaries and they maintain them

If a Gen Z colleague asks why your meeting is at 6pm, do not be triggered. Ask yourself why you set it at 6pm. Is it truly urgent, or have you simply never learned to draw your own boundaries with your boss or your clients?

Gen Z is not allergic to hard work. They just do not understand why your meeting is automatically more important than their fitness class. They prioritise health in a way many millennials never learned to. And that’s not a weakness. That’s awareness.

Salary negotiations: two very different styles

In my world, recruitment, this difference is obvious. Gen Z comes in knowing what they want. They state their number and do not budge. Many millennials come in, state their number, and then start worrying they are overpricing themselves.

Guess who usually gets what they ask for. Gen Z.

There is a trade-off. If you are an expensive hire and you do not perform, you are out faster. Millennials who take a bit less often become the safer hire when layoffs come. Neither approach is right or wrong — just different strategies shaped by different eras.

Gen Z’s loyalty is earned, not assumed

Gen Z entered the workforce during massive tech layoffs. They saw their peers let go overnight. They learned early that no job is truly secure.

So yes, they stay open to new opportunities. But they are loyal when loyalty is reciprocated. Show them a purpose bigger than the job description. Give them space to grow. They will stay if they believe you are invested in them.

GenAI will widen the gap

The future is moving faster than we expected. Skills alone will not save us. Adaptability, curiosity and confidence will matter more.

This is where the Millennial and Gen Z mix becomes powerful.

Millennials bring judgment, structure and people insight. Gen Z is native to tools and moves with speed. Together, they can create something stronger than either group can do alone.

A stronger combination than people think

For managers who lead Gen Z: this generation is not here to threaten you. They are here to move the workplace forward. Learn from their boundaries, their courage and their clarity. Empower them. They will surprise you.

For Gen Z: you entered the workforce at a tough time, but tough times create sharp people. Use technology to your advantage. At the same time, learn from the generations before you. They can teach you communication, influence and how to see the world beyond your own perspective.

Millennials and Gen Z together is a strong combination. Gen Z builds agents with speed. Millennials can build agents too, and often bring the judgment that turns those agents into something truly valuable. Together, they can reshape how work gets done.

I am excited to see how this team evolves, and how they will train the next generation of humans and agents to work together.