Out Of Touch Bosses—How 10-Cent Raise Exposed Generational Divide At Workplace

10-cent raise? Gen Z and Millennials aren’t having it. Chris Gerbig's viral story of out-of-touch bosses hits a nerve.

Sophia

• Published in Community
• October 11, 2024

The saying goes that people don’t leave companies, they leave bosses—and recent viral TikToks have brought this sentiment to life in a very real way. Content creator Mary E Frost recently sparked widespread discussion by posting a video criticizing Boomer managers for being disconnected from the current realities of the job market.

Her message hit home for many young workers who feel their employers are out of touch with their needs. Business and finance expert Chris Gerbig soon added to the conversation by stitching Frost’s video with his own experience working under a Boomer boss, shedding light on generational divides in the workplace that are still relevant today.

Gerbig, who now has a successful career in finance, shared a story from 14 years ago when he worked as a bank teller. Despite holding a finance degree, his starting salary was just $9 an hour, which translated to a meager $600 every two weeks after taxes and health insurance.

The financial strain of trying to make ends meet—while also covering rent, student loans, and a car payment—left him constantly stressed. But what really highlighted the disconnect between him and his Boomer boss was her suggestion that employees chip in $30 for a co-worker's wedding gift.

When Gerbig explained that he couldn't afford it, his boss was visibly shocked, unable to comprehend why a full-time employee couldn’t spare $30.

It was a moment that revealed just how out of touch some managers can be with the financial realities faced by their staff.

A month later, the same boss came to Gerbig with what she thought was "great news"—a 10-cent raise.

The bump in his hourly wage amounted to about $4 extra per week or $200 for the entire year. Rather than feeling appreciated, Gerbig was insulted.

The raise felt like a slap in the face, especially given the low salary he was already struggling with. His boss’s failure to recognize how small the increase was only further highlighted the generational gap in understanding.

This story isn't unique to Gerbig.

Many Millennials and Gen Z employees share similar frustrations about being undervalued in the workplace. While fair compensation is important, younger workers are also seeking purpose, connection, and a more meaningful work environment.

Leadership expert Rasmus Hougaard emphasizes that today’s workforce expects more than just a paycheck—they want leaders who understand their struggles and provide mentorship, growth opportunities, and a sense of fulfillment.

A study conducted by Hougaard and fellow leadership expert Jacqueline Carter, which involved interviews with 250 executives from major companies like Microsoft, Google, and Lego, found that a staggering 88% of employees felt their bosses didn’t engage with them enough or take their needs seriously.

Meanwhile, 77% of leaders believed they were doing a good job.

This gap in perception illustrates a significant problem in today’s workplaces: many leaders are failing to meet the expectations of younger employees who prioritize empathy, work-life balance, and personal development.

The viral success of TikToks like Frost's and Gerbig's demonstrates a growing frustration within the workforce. Younger employees are tired of leadership that doesn't listen or adapt to modern realities.

In an evolving job market, fair pay, emotional intelligence, and a culture of growth are now critical for companies looking to retain top talent!

Sophia