Mind the Generation Gap Ep 9: "Gen Z Wants Work-Life Balance… Am I Wrong for Disagreeing?"

How do you lead a traditional construction crew where employees stay for 20 years, alongside a fast-paced hospitality team made entirely of Gen Z? In this episode of Mind the Generation Gap, host Louise Kennedy sits down with Sarah Leathem - a chartered accountant, Finance Director for her family’s construction company, and the owner of the Three Stories Bar in Sunderland. Sarah shares her unique insights on managing vastly different workforces and bridging the ultimate workplace gap. This episode covers: The Traditional Hard Work vs. Work-Life Balance Debate: Sarah reflects on her early career working 12-hour days on an £8,000 salary, comparing her traditional grit to Gen Z’s focus on screen boundaries, health, and flexibility. Hiring Gen Z Reality Hits: How to navigate the friction when younger workers arrive with a "we know better" attitude, yet need to understand the practical "why" behind workplace rules like site health and safety. Bridging the Industry Divide: What a family-run construction firm can teach a hospitality business about retention, attitude, and team dynamics. Whether you're struggling to recruit the next generation or trying to figure out how different eras can successfully work together, this conversation looks past the headlines to help you future-proof your business. About the Show: Hosted by Louise Kennedy, founder of Oculus HR, Mind the Generation Gap explores how different generations can bring new ideas and opportunities to the modern workplace. 💬 Join the Conversation: Do you think traditional hard work is officially dead, or is Gen Z right to demand a work-life balance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Don't forget to Like, Subscribe so you never miss an episode!