Jodi Quemelen

5 Mistakes Managers make with Gen Z Employees

and how to fix them

“I Want to Support Gen Z…But I Don’t Know How” 

A note to Managers Who Actually Care

Managing / leading in 2025 is not a walk in the park. 

The workplace is evolving at light speed, and if you’re a leader trying to support younger employees while juggling deadlines and countless meetings-that-could’ve-been-emails, you deserve some serious applause. You’re doing a lot.

But if you’ve ever found yourself thinking:

  • “I don’t get why they’re disengaged”
  • “I’m trying to connect but it feels like there’s a wall”
  • “I want to support them, but I don’t want to overstep or say the wrong thing…”

Then this post is for you.

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to be perfect – you just need to be intentional.


Gen Z isn’t expecting you to have all the answers. I certainly don’t have all the answers either. What they’re looking for is effort, empathy, and willingness to grow. 

So here are 5 simple ways to support your Gen Z employees without feeling overwhelmed:

  1. Check In, don’t just Check Boxes

Ask how they’re doing, not always just what they’re doing. A quick “How are you feeling about your current workload?” goes a long way.

  1. Give Context, Not Just Commands.

Gen Z thrives on understanding the “why” and purpose behind the work. When you explain the reason behind the task, it builds trust, not resistance. 

  1. Offer feedback like a human, not a robot.

Instead of “good job” or “needs improvement”, try: “I noticed you handled X really well, and I think you could take it even further by doing Y.” This shows that you see us and want to help us succeed. 

  1. Invite Them Into the Conversation

Whether it’s letting them lead a small project or asking for their input or ideas in a meeting, inclusion fosters ownership. Try cultivating a space that makes contribution and collaboration the norm.

  1. Be Open About Your Own Growth

If you don’t understand something, say that. If you’re working on being a better listener or communicator, say it. That vulnerability builds connection and models lifelong learning and personal/professional development.

Leading Gen Z doesn’t have to mean walking on eggshells. It means leading with heart, curiosity, and clear communication. The fact that you’re reading this blog means you do care, and that already put you ahead of the curve. 

We’re not expecting perfection, just presence. Keep showing up in an intentional way, and we will too.

Peace,

Jodi Q.

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