Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Blend

I recently explored a fascinating LinkedIn Learning course on understanding the Gen Z mindset. Have you heard of the concept of Work-Life Blend?

As a Millennial, I have always championed the idea of maintaining a work-life balance, both for myself and my team. When ActOnMagic was founded, I had the chance to hire interns for developing proof of concepts in the cloud space and to work on dev-test automation. The students we interviewed had a distinctly different perspective.

I would pitch our vision with enthusiasm: “Join ActOnMagic and help us build a product company from India.” Some students were intrigued and joined us, while others opted for larger companies that offered attractive salaries and stability. Startups, on the other hand, promise learning, innovation, and the chance to wear many hats. 

One of our Gen Z employees stood out. They managed a side project while working full-time at ActOnMagic and frequently ordered food via Swiggy. Meanwhile, my fellow Millennials and I brought our tiffin boxes for lunch, often wondering how this Gen Z employee managed to afford such a lifestyle on a modest salary. At that time, I wasn’t familiar with terms like Gen Z or Generation Alpha.

Now, after 11 years, I have a better understanding. Generation Z was raised in a different environment and is adept at multitasking and seeking out challenges. They prefer a “Work-Life Blend” over the traditional “Work-Life Balance.”

Work-Life Blending means having the flexibility to work on personal projects during company hours, focusing on outcomes rather than rigid processes, all within the bounds of business standards. While this might be challenging for larger enterprises to accommodate, many new Gen Z startups are embracing this approach.

This revelation was eye-opening! If you’re a manager, it’s crucial to recognize the generational differences within your team and adapt your management style to enable everyone to contribute effectively.

Happy Blending!

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