A new term has emerged in American corporate circles: “conscious boss separation.” Gen Z is a phrase that alludes to young workers’ reluctance to accept promotions, primarily due to the high stress levels expected of being a boss.
This syndrome is clearly impacting the professional careers of young Americans and forcing them to take on more responsibilities in the workplace as older workers are promoted and ultimately lose corporate leadership positions. impact on companies that need it.
As always, the data tells the story.
More than half (52%) of junior employees say they would not accept a promotion to middle management, according to new research from Robert Walters. Almost three-quarters (72%) say they would take a “personal route” to career success by leveraging their own career brand rather than managing others.
“To be honest, I’m not surprised at all,” says Rachel Murray, co-CEO of workplace DEI services company Inclusion Geeks. “As someone who lived through the hustle and bustle of technology, I can see why Gen Z doesn’t want to deal with the headaches of management. , I quickly joined the management team.”
Murray said middle managers often get “stuck” dealing with the crap from upper management and don’t let it trickle down to their teams.
“Gen Z is looking at us now and thinking, ‘Why would I need that stress for a modest title and a small salary increase?'” They believe that managers I have seen the lack of support available and the personal toll it takes. It’s not surprising that they opt out. ”
Why Gen Z is not interested in middle management jobs
This is one of the more authoritative views on the act of consciously unbossing, and it’s just for beginners. There are countless reasons why young career professionals turn away from middle management experience, but the following considerations are some of the most common.
live this moment
Gen Z, who grew up on TikTok and Instagram, are paying attention and paying attention to what their peers are saying about career advancement on social media.
“Social media conversations have undoubtedly played an important role in shaping Gen Z’s career mindset,” said David E., CEO of Spokeo, a Pasadena, Calif.-based “search engine” company. says co-founder Harrison Tan. “Posts like ‘Don’t spend 40 years working for someone else, build your own brand’ resonate with Gen Z and encourage them to challenge traditional career norms and carve their own path.”
focus on stress at work
Mr Tan said the trend of “consciously eliminating bosses” was a “fresh rejection” of traditional expectations.
“Gen Z wants to foster happiness, well-being, and personal growth now, not just in the distant future,” he points out. “It’s not about the workplace per se. Instead, it’s about the value of stress. If Gen Z professionals were to experience stress, they’d want to be stressed for their own ventures, not someone else’s.” .”
bad mojo on the upper side
Naturally or not, traditional management culture also influences young career professionals and has for some time.
“Since the 1990s, middle management has gotten a bad rap, being portrayed as unnecessary overhead costs that can be easily cut to improve company efficiency,” says work-life advisory firm A Half Managed. Mind founder Charlotte Rooney says: London, UK. “Television shows like ‘The Office’ and movies like ‘Bad Bosses’ epitomize the idea that middle managers are narrow-minded, deceitful bureaucrats that everyone hates.”
Not only did Gen Z grow up seeing these unfavorable depictions of managers, but they also have to worry about managers dealing with poor work-life balance, extra stress (especially during a pandemic), and managing remote and flexible teams. I’ve seen it happen. It’s always “on” and doesn’t give much in return.
“When I entered the workforce, there were no promotion options that didn’t involve management, and leadership had high social status,” Rooney says. “Given the increased opportunities for status and compensation without the hassle of managing others, it’s no surprise that fewer Gen Zers are interested in these roles than we Millennials and Gen Xers. That’s what I mean.
Are there any disadvantages to refusing the management track?
Career experts agree that there are valid reasons for Gen Z to deviate from traditional career paths, but doing so can come with negative costs, both career and financial.
“If you’re already facing a situation that’s stacked against you and there’s no hope for change or improvement, there may not be a downside. You’re probably job hunting right now,” says King, Texas. says Jill Chapman, director of Insperity’s early talent program at Wood. “But if the company aligns with your beliefs or is moving in that direction, you could be missing out on great career and professional growth opportunities.”
Avoiding managerial experience could once again have a negative impact on Gen Z workers who are hostile to their bosses.
“Management experience has a double benefit,” says Tan. “Not only will you strengthen your resume, but you will also gain valuable soft skills that are essential for long-term career success.”
Consider alternatives to management positions
Before turning down a promotion to middle management, review your situation and take time to think it through.
“First, ask yourself whether the promotion aligns with your long-term goals,” Murray says. “Are you taking it just because you think you should, or will it really help your personal and professional growth?”
Murray is also a fierce advocate of negotiation. “If the role comes with more responsibility, ask for training, mentorship, or clear metrics for success,” she points out. “Think beyond just the title and salary.”
If you’re still on the fence about taking over a management role, consider offering a different leadership role that better aligns with your interests, such as becoming a subject matter expert or project leader with no direct reports. please,” Murray says.
If you still don’t want to take a bite out of management’s apple, it’s okay to say no.
“Career paths are not linear. Just because you turn down one opportunity doesn’t mean there won’t be others down the road. There may be opportunities waiting for you that are more suited to your values and lifestyle. ” adds Murray.
Photo credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock
