Rewriting the Rulebook: Generational Professionalism
Imagine walking into a networking event, and you see two people: one dressed in a clean-cut black suit carrying a leather portfolio, and the other in a blazer, carrying a laptop. Which one would you think is more professional?
This has become the question as professionalism shifts in this new generation. Is the standard of dress and behavior becoming more relaxed, or is the attention shifting to experience rather than the appearance of an ‘ideal professional ’?
A Suit & Tie?
For baby boomers and GenX, professionalism always started and ended with visuals. A suit, firm handshakes, eye contact, and punctuality were clear signs of respect in the workforce. When credibility was easily questioned, appearance was a shortcut to trusting your next employee.
Younger professionals are shifting from proving credibility through physical cues to work demonstrated by quality results and reliability. As a result, many companies have moved toward a more business casual approach when it comes to appearance, because their work provides credibility.
Despite this, first impressions are still the most valuable 30 seconds of a professional interaction. Finding a sweet spot of casual dress, without losing the foreground of professionalism, will help the next generation bridge this gap.
Character and Coffee Chats
For older generations, the expectation was that connections and work were established through in-person meetings, formal emails, and real-time phone calls. Today, students and young professionals are finding new communication channels, like Slack, for example, to send quick texts, email reactions with an emoticon, and informal meetings in the office.
The concern with quick and easy communication is finding the time and place for it. A difficult conversation, or a big project, deserves an in-person meeting or phone call. Whereas a project update with a GIF is perfectly acceptable for keeping the team engaged and informed.
What's a Work-Life Balance?
The biggest generational gap I've witnessed with intergenerational professionalism is what a work-life balance looks like. Older generations developed their career with the idea that dedication is shown by working extra hours, always being available, and putting the job first.
Younger generations have seen what those extra hours can do to an employee, especially when it comes to burnout. The next generation is working toward prioritizing balance, mental health, and flexibility. The critique is that this expectation of work is a lack of work ethic and passion, but results may tell a different story.
In public relations, it's difficult to find a balance when the work is with the people, for the people, and a professional never knows when something could go wrong. But the intention isn't to put the work aside; it's to work sustainably as an individual so the work for the team can be done well in the long haul.
Good Solo, Better Together
Working intergenerationally provides a new perspective from both sides. In networking conversations, my favorite part is hearing older-generation employers speak about their appreciation for Millennials/Genz perspective, and their commitment to learning with their employees, rather than singling them out because they think differently.
Experienced professionals bring a plethora of knowledge and experience from wins and mistakes made throughout their careers. Young professionals bring tech skills, cultural awareness, and the willingness to question what is not working.
The most successful teams will be those that can work intergenerationally. It isn't easy to change, and it's difficult to speak up as the youngest voice in the room. As the professional landscape continues to change, it's important to remember that the judgments or questions come from the same place.
The Short & Sweet
Professionalism in the workforce isn't disappearing; it's evolving. At the end of the day, each professional, new or experienced, shows up to create work they are proud of, build connections, and become a trustworthy employee.
For students preparing to enter the workforce, it may be helpful to refer to the traditional expectations of professionalism and remember that your reputation and experience are only beginning to grow. For seasoned professionals, it’s best to stay curious and keep an open mind when it comes to what the next generation can offer you; you may find new solutions to age-old problems.
The future of professionalism won't belong to one generation; it will belong to the people willing to learn from all of them.
About the Author
Olivia Goodwin is a senior at Grand Valley studying advertising and public relations with a minor in political science. Serving as the current Chief Communications Officer of GrandPR, she is responsible for the organization's community relations, organizing and planning events to connect with young students and professionals in the Grand Rapids Area. She also serves as the Marketing Project Manager for the Promotions Office at Grand Valley. She plans to work in an agency in Chicago following graduation in May 2027.