More than half of Zumers consider criticism in their address at work a sign of personal dislike

The modern labor market actively attracts the younger generations, among which a significant role is played by buzzers - representatives of Generation Z. However, despite high levels of education and digital literacy, many of them face difficulties in perceiving criticism in the workplace. According to recent studies, more than half of buzzers perceive frequent criticism as a sign of personal dislike and consider it as an excuse to think about dismissal.

Who are the buzzers?
Zumers are members of Generation Z, born from around the mid-1990s to early 2010s. They have grown up in the era of digital technology, social media and global communication, which significantly influences their worldview, values and behavior. Zumers value diversity, inclusivity and strive for work-life balance.
“Zumers are highly adaptable to change and a desire for self-expression, but they are sensitive to the emotional atmosphere in the workplace,” said Dr. Maria Petrova, a sociologist.

Perception of criticism: a sign of personal hostility
For buzzers, criticism is often associated with negative emotions and personal dislike. This may be due to their desire for recognition and value, as well as their high emotional intelligence. When criticism is perceived as a personal attack, it can lead to feelings of depreciation and decreased motivation.

Reasons for this perception
There are several factors that explain why buzzers tend to perceive criticism as a personal dislike:

• Constant comparison: Exposure to social media and constantly comparing oneself to others increase one’s sense of insufficiency when criticized.
• High expectations: Zumers set themselves high standards, and any criticism can be perceived as a violation of these standards.
• Emotional sensitivity: Generation Z has a high level of emotional sensitivity and strives for a positive emotional environment.
• Feedback culture: In some working cultures, feedback is unconstructive, which reinforces negative perceptions of criticism.

“It is important to understand that buzzers seek support and constructive criticism, not merely indications of errors. It is necessary to adapt the style of communication for effective interaction. — Dr. Sergey Ivanov, consultant psychologist.

Impact on working relationships and productivity
Perceiving criticism as personal animosity can have a significant impact on working relationships and overall team performance. When employees feel misunderstood and devalued, they are less motivated to work at a high level and tend to conflict or even leave the company.

• Decreased morale: Constant negative feedback can lead to lower morale and job satisfaction.
• Increased staff turnover: Employees who perceive criticism negatively are more likely to think about dismissal, which increases staff turnover.
• Decreased productivity: Negative emotions and stress can lead to decreased concentration and productivity in the workplace.

Advice for employers: how to give constructive criticism
For effective interaction with buzzers, it is important to adapt feedback methods. Here are a few recommendations:

• Constructiveness: Criticism should be specific and focused on improvement, not personal characteristics.
• Positive approach: Start with the positive aspects of an employee’s work before turning to criticism.
• Openness to dialogue: Create an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
• Support and training: Offer resources and support to improve the skills and professional growth of employees.

“Creating a supportive and positive work environment encourages criticism to be seen as an opportunity for growth rather than as a personal attack,” said Anna Smirnova, HR expert.

Advice for employees: how to perceive and respond to criticism
It is important for Zumerans to learn how to properly perceive criticism in order to use it for their professional and personal growth:

• Listen carefully: Focus on the content of the criticism, not the emotions.
• Ask for specifics: Ask questions to understand which aspects of the job need improvement.
• Use criticism for development: See criticism as an opportunity to learn and develop new skills.
• Keep a positive attitude: Try to stay positive and don’t take criticism too personally.

“Criticism should be a tool for growth, not a source of stress. It is important to learn how to use it for your own benefit. – Dr. Marina Kovaleva, psychologist.

Key points for successful interaction:

• Develop Emotional Intelligence
  
  Strengthen communication and self-reflection skills.
• Create a positive work environment where criticism is perceived constructively.
• Seek mutual understanding and support within the team.
• Invest in professional development and employee training.
• Encourage open dialogue and exchange of feedback.

Expert opinion
Psychology and HR experts point out that adapting feedback methods to Gen Z is key to successful business and healthy working relationships.
“Understanding the unique needs of buzzers and their approach to the perception of criticism allows you to create more effective teams and increase the overall productivity of the company.” — Dr. Alexey Nikolaev, specialist in corporate psychology.

Stories From Life
Many buzzers share their experiences with workplace criticism and how it has affected their careers and emotional state:

• Catherine, 25 years old: “At the beginning of my career, I often felt misunderstood by criticism. Over time, I’ve learned to see it as an opportunity to grow and improve my skills. ?
• Igor, 28 years old: “When my boss started criticizing my work more often, I was offended at first. But after the conversation, we found common ground, and now criticism is perceived constructively.
• Maria, 23: Frequent criticism made me think about quitting, but I decided to turn to a coach and learned to better cope with negative emotions and use criticism for development. ?

Conclusion
Understanding how buzzers perceive criticism is an important step to creating effective and supportive jobs. Companies that adapt their feedback methods and take into account the characteristics of this generation will not only retain talented employees, but also contribute to their professional and personal growth. At the same time, buzzers, having learned to correctly perceive and react to criticism, will be able to use it for their development and success in their careers.
“Creating a healthy work environment, where criticism is perceived as a tool for growth, contributes to the formation of strong and motivated teams.” – Dr. Elena Ivanova, Human Resources Specialist
In today’s world, where competition in the labor market is becoming fiercer, it is important to find a balance between demanding and supportive, so that every employee feels valued and motivated to achieve the best results.