Kids these days, Pink Elephant, and more!

Is there a ‘right’ way to celebrate small wins at work? If you’re thinking cake, you’re on the right track. Cake is ALWAYS a good idea!

This week, I'm back with another interesting edition of the newsletter - Happiness At Work - packed with fresh insights, intriguing stories, and practical tips to brighten up your work life.

Let's dive into the world of workplace happiness and keep our journey of joy and discovery rolling!

Kids These Days Effect

We all have used it, it's been used on all of us. However, there has been more conversation about it since Gen Z entered the workforce. This mindset is known as the Kids These Days and it means - generational bias where each generation views the next as less competent or different in ways that aren’t always appreciated.

How?

Gen X: Once the “Kids These Days”

• What is the past perception?

Seen by Boomers as rebellious and overly focused on work-life balance.

• Workplace impact?

Questioned authority, and introduced the idea of balancing personal time with work.

Millennials: The “Kids These Days” yesterday and today

• Are they labeled by Gen X?

Yes, They are considered entitled, overly sensitive, and tech-obsessed.

• Reality check?

Adapted to a rapidly changing world, prioritized flexibility and purpose.

Gen Z: The Latest in Line

• Viewed by Millennials?

Criticized for valuing social issues, mental health, and work-life integration.

• Research insight?

Deloitte (2021) found Gen Z more stressed, leading to mental health support and flexibility demands.

Impact on Workplace Happiness

• Creates divisions, reduces collaboration, and affects morale.
• Stemming from fear of change and nostalgia, this bias can distort our view of younger generations.

How can leadership step in to bridge the gap?

• Promote mentorship: Encourage cross-generational learning and mutual respect.
• Foster open communication: Create spaces for honest discussions across generations.
• Celebrate diversity: Highlight the strengths each generation brings to the workplace.

The "Kids These Days" effect is a cycle every generation experiences. By recognizing and addressing this bias, we can create a happier, more inclusive workplace.

Next time you’re tempted to say, “Kids these days…”

1. Is their solution easier or more effective? Pause and consider if the new approach might actually be an improvement.
2. Check your ego: Are you reacting out of habit or because it challenges your way of doing things?
3. Understand before dismissing: Take a moment to ask why—they might be onto something valuable.

By doing this, you’ll help foster a more inclusive and happy workplace, where every idea is given fair consideration.

Also, this thought doesn't hurt - remember—you were once that kid too.

Dancing with Pink Elephants: How to Manage Distractions at Work

Imagine trying not to think about a pink elephant—suddenly, it’s all you can picture!

This "pink elephants in the brain" phenomenon happens at work too: the more we try to ignore intrusive thoughts, the more they disrupt our focus and happiness.

Instead of fighting these mental distractions, embrace them with mindfulness. Here’s how:

1. Acknowledge the Thought: When a distracting thought pops up, don’t push it away. Simply note it and let it pass.
2. Take Short Mindfulness Breaks: A quick minute of deep breathing can reset your mind.
3. Set Clear Priorities: Focus on one task at a time to prevent your brain from wandering.
4. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a work environment where team members feel comfortable discussing their mental roadblocks.

Let's chat

Every week I give a dope recommendation. This week's recommendation is a list of Google extensions that are generally useful in many ways. Here you go.

Oh, also, under Keep It hygge's sub brand - we have come up with a fun sensory box. Fun products and hygge vibes. You can check it out here

That's it from this time. This newsletter aims to initiate conversations about #happinessatwork as it's the future of work. I also believe in bringing new interesting topics and dope recommendations for you.

Keep It Hygge ideates and executes Happiness-at-work initiatives at various organizations. Get in touch with us. If you are looking for some unique, creative, and humane ideas and programs to increase the happiness quotient of your organization, hit us up!

If you like what you read, so share it with your colleagues, bosses, interns, clients, etc. See you next week.

Till then, Keep It Hygge!

Cheers,