Baby Boomers vs. Zoomers: Work Habits to Adopt and Drop From Each Generation

Though two generations separate them (hi, millennials and Gen X), workers in the Baby Boomer generation and Gen Z, aka Zoomers, have much more in common than they might think. The two generations share a sense of ambition, curiosity and a nostalgic appreciation for things past—whether they lived through them or watched them on TV.  

Both our similarities and our differences should serve as a uniting force. There’s no doubt that both Baby Boomers and Zoomers have very different approaches in the workplace, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing!  

Baby Boomer Do’s 

If Baby Boomers are known for anything, it’s hard work. As the name implies, the Baby Boom generation saw an unprecedented rise in population in the economically rich post-war years. This led to more people entering the workforce than ever before, where they faced higher competition for jobs and promotions. As a natural outcome, the Baby Boomers became determined, dedicated individuals who take pride in their work. This is a fantastic quality for anyone to adopt, regardless of age.  

Having come of age pre-internet, Baby Boomers are much more accustomed to talking things out face-to-face than their Gen Z coworkers. Because of this, Baby Boomers tend to handle things in person more readily and often resolve issues much quicker as a result. This is something we could all benefit from—humans are social creatures, after all.  

Baby Boomer Don’ts 

The other side of the Baby Boom coin is that some members of this generation don’t always take the time they need for themselves, which can lead to burnout. The tendency to “suffer in silence” may seem admirable, but working past your breaking point can negatively impact your work—and your mental health. The reality is that we all need a break sometimes. Don’t be afraid to take it!  

Zoomer Do’s 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Zoomers seem to prioritize mental health more than any other generation. With the de-stigmatization of mental health care as well as its increased accessibility through online channels, Gen Z has truly paved the way for mental health to enter the conversation. Whether it’s taking a mental health day or just talking things out with someone you love, we could all take a cue from Gen Z on this one.  

Zoomers owe their name, in part, to how quickly they pick up new technology. This tech-savvy generation has never met a screen they didn’t like and rarely shies away from an opportunity to learn new skills. With advancements like AI and social media innovating further every day, it’s never a bad idea to embrace your inner Zoomer and start scrolling Twitter. (I mean X?)  

Zoomer Don’ts 

We’ve all heard of "quiet quitting,” or doing only the bare minimum of a job’s requirements due to conditions perceived as unfair. This one is obvious. If you have an issue with your job, your pay or your workload, you should talk to someone about it! The answer is never to bottle things up in quiet rebellion—not much different from the Baby Boomers’ “suffer in silence” when you think about it.  

As we learn to embrace our differences, we could strive to learn a thing or two from one another along the way. We aren’t all the same—and that’s a good thing! We could all stand to adopt a few good habits while dropping the bad. But no matter how we work, we can all learn the most by respecting one another and leading with empathy and kindness.  

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