Mayank Sharma, founder of a Gurugram-based HR firm, recently shared his LinkedIn struggles as a millennial boss. He’s caught between senior management expectations and the evolving needs of younger employees, feeling “sandwiched” between two distinct work cultures. Despite striving for balance, he often disappoints both sides.
“Being a millennial boss is really hard,” Sharma wrote. He explained the pressure from older bosses to “torture” teams, mandate late hours and daily office attendance, and enforce formal attire.
Conversely, he manages younger millennials and Gen Z employees who prioritize flexibility, work-life balance, remote work, and more casual dress.
This balancing act frequently leads to dissatisfaction on both sides. “Funny thing is, in the process of keeping a good balance, you often end up disappointing both parties,” he noted.
Sharma’s post resonated widely, with many sharing similar experiences. One user countered, emphasizing the importance of real-life experience over generational stereotypes. Another suggested focusing on essential tasks to meet deadlines and customer expectations, prioritizing actions over politics.
A third user aptly described the role as “being a translator between two completely different work cultures!”
Also Read | Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Is Hiring Again. Eligibility? A “Second Brain”
One user predicted this struggle will intensify as more Gen Z enters the workforce, requiring employers to adapt to younger needs to remain competitive. Older generations will also need to adjust to new working styles.
Another user humorously summarized the challenge: “Being a millennial boss in India means your boomer boss wants you to run the office like it’s Dunder Mifflin, while your Gen Z team wants it to be Zomato Blinkit. One side wants attendance at 9 AM sharp, the other side thinks ‘login’ means sending a ‘Good Morning’ GIF on WhatsApp. And here I am, stuck in the middle, wondering if I should wear a suit or just show up in sneakers and hope no one notices!”
“`
