Dear Friend,

Thank you for your thoughtful perspective. I often find myself reflecting on the same thing: “How do they see me?” It’s a question that crosses the minds of many, regardless of generation, in the workplace.

While I can’t speak for all of Gen Z, I can share my perspective. From my experience, I don’t perceive older generations as slow or lacking teamwork skills. In fact, each generation brings a unique skill set to the table, which is why generational diversity in the workplace is so valuable. We all have something to contribute and learn from one another.

For instance, many Gen Z workers, like myself, are highly skilled in digital writing, content creation, and social media. As “digital natives,” we’re naturally comfortable with technology and can often complete these tasks quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, I’ve observed that Gen X and Baby Boomer employees tend to excel at face-to-face communication and fostering relationships, which is just as important in the workplace. In short, we all bring valuable skills to the table, and by working together, we can create a well-rounded and effective team.

That said, I think the challenge often arises when one generation dismisses the contributions of another. I've personally had experiences where I presented ideas I was passionate about, only for them to be dismissed by my manager. While I might have attributed it to a generational bias, I recognize that this feeling of being unheard is not unique to any one age group. It’s a universal experience, and it’s important to remember that this is not a personal attack—it’s often simply a result of different communication styles or perspectives.

I try to reframe such moments by acknowledging that our generational influences shape how we communicate and approach problem-solving. We all grow up surrounded by different societal contexts, and it’s natural for those experiences to shape our thinking. But the fact that you’re asking these questions shows that you’re already open to understanding different perspectives, which puts you ahead of the curve!

To answer your question, my advice as a Gen Z intern would be to foster open communication. Ask us how we’re feeling, and encourage us to share our thoughts openly with you. Just as students want to feel seen and heard by their teachers, interns want to feel the same way from their managers. Building an open line of communication is key to bridging any generational gaps.

I’ll admit, it can be daunting at times, especially when interacting with someone from an older generation. I’ve often wondered, “Did I say something wrong? Am I being too quiet?” But I’ve learned that when managers make the effort to connect and validate our contributions, it makes all the difference. It helps build our confidence and makes us feel like we truly belong in the workplace.

In summary, my suggestion is simple: communicate openly and frequently. Many of us have brilliant ideas or valuable feedback, but we sometimes lack the confidence to share them. Sometimes, all it takes is a gentle prompt like, “Okay, intern, what do you think about this?” to help us feel heard and empowered.

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this. Your willingness to understand different perspectives is an important step toward creating a more inclusive and productive work environment.

Best,

Yogesh