What’s really wrong with your office? It’s not the millennials

STOP blaming those “lazy, entitled” millenials we keep hearing about for the problems in your office. They’re sick of copping all the heat.

WHAT’S really wrong with your office? Clue: it isn’t those lazy, “entitled” millenials we keep hearing about.

According to young people, it’s Baby Boomers who are the real problem.

Gen Ys have spoken out about what it’s like working with people the age of their grandparents, and it’s not all tea and sympathy. In fact, it appears many millenials would be happy to round up the oldies and turn them out to pasture.

“The biggest hurdle seems to be their visceral fear of technology,” said Rebecca Diem, articulating a popular view in a (mostly Boomer-free) Twitter debate on the issue.

“Just nod and smile when they hand you a printout of an email,” added Steve Haroz.

“When showing them how to use a new technology, NEVER say ‘this is so easy,’” warned Chelsea Reil.

The conversation started when LA Times journalist Ann Friedman posed the question for a parody of the now stock articles telling older workers how to cope with Gen Ys. “Millennials, what are your tips for working alongside Baby Boomers and coping in boomer-led workplaces?” she asked.

“Ignoring mild but routine sexism,” suggested Laura E. Reineke.

“Excessive solicitousness,” advised MKPinNYC. “Try to overcome micromanaging by running everything by them til they wave you off.”

“Keep on telling them ‘don’t work too hard!’” joked Holly.

Now explain that again, only slower.

While the initial intention may have been lighthearted, the loaded question quickly highlighted some deep divides. Old-fashioned attitudes towards women, gay people and immigrants were an obstacle, with some suggesting you simply avoid talking politics with boomers.

Condescending behaviour also irritated many millenials, who advised never revealing your age to workplace boomers, and expressed resentment at being patronised with the line, “I have children your age.”

“Get used to being called sweetheart or referred to as a ‘girl’ by male superiors,” added Caroline V.

There was a definite sense boomers were stuck in the past, and unwilling to adapt not just to technology, but any fresh way of doing things.

“I watched a lot of ‘old TV’ as a kid and I make sure to reference it, that way they can’t be dismissive even about pop culture,” said Samantha Blau.

“Listen to every story and bring snacks to share,” said Andrea Infield, in a potentially tongue-in-cheek comment.

Some advice was helpful, with about half of responders recommending mutual respect, willingness to learn and having patience.

Laura A said every employee should make an effort to understand different working styles. “Not everyone multitasks,” she pointed out.

“Keep your head down in the office but ask them to have a beer with you,” tweeted Logan Heiman. “Break down barriers and learn from one another.”

But some millennials simply aren’t interested in compromise, telling fellow Gen Ys to change the culture or get out.

“Worked for last 4 years for a couple booms and resigned,” said lawyer William Bern. “Such a miserable antiquated workplace.”

“Store things in low places. use acronyms everywhere. leave banana peels everywhere,” said Nsikan Akpan.

Amy Dieg has a smart, but harsh, philosophy: “Try to remember someday I will probably be wary and clueless and treat them how I’d like to be treated.”

For the rest, there was only one solution: “Headphones.”