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Leaders of the youngest generation in the workforce are pushing back on the old narrative that they\u2019re lazy<\/a> and disruptive. In reality, they aren\u2019t trying to upend the entire corporate landscape. They just want a seat at the table. <\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t walk in the door on day one and say \u2018we\u2019re changing everything for [Gen Z],\u2019\u201d Jonah Stillman, co-founder of consulting firm GenGuru, told the audience at the Fortune <\/em>Workplace Innovation Summit this week. Instead, he recommended that leaders give younger workers a voice and platform to share their ideas and perspectives on company culture and overall goals. The optimal workplace, he argued, is one that understands \u201cevery voice is relevant amongst generations.\u201d<\/p>\n There have certainly been growing pains with five generations sandwiched into the work landscape. Only 17% of Gen Z employees report having no problems working across different generational<\/a> cohorts, compared to 45% of baby boomers, according to a recent report<\/a> from consulting firm Korn Ferry<\/a>. A major contributor to young worker frustration is a lack of communication: almost half of all Gen Z employees want more meaningful communication and teamwork training, according to the same report.<\/p>\n Like Stillman, other Gen Z leaders are urging employers not to buy into the generational tropes. <\/p>\n \u201cPeople like to talk about us but not talk to us or build with us,\u201d Ziad Ahmed, head of UTA Marketing\u2019s Next Gen Practice, said. \u201cI think that is rooted in a lot of presumption. It rarely gets us to where we need to be.\u201d <\/p>\n In many ways, Gen Z is not that different from their predecessors: they have many of the same priorities and desires, including hefty salaries.<\/a> <\/p>\n \u201cWe like to differentiate generations by generations but human behavior doesn\u2019t change that much,\u201d Tiffany<\/a> Zhong, co-founder of social media site noplace, said. <\/p>\n All three Gen Z leaders agreed that their generation isn\u2019t trying to upend the workforce, but instead are coming in with a unique perspective influenced by the technological advancements and geopolitical moments that have forged the dynamics of their upbringing. <\/p>\n Ultimately, it\u2019s in an employer\u2019s best interest to weave their views and perspectives into strategic and cultural decision making, even if it\u2019s not at the rapid pace that some Gen Zers are used to. <\/p>\n \u201cThe most productive, multi-generational workforce is one that prioritizes this idea of evolution instead of revolution,\u201d said Stillman. <\/p>\n This story was originally featured on Fortune.com<\/a><\/p>\n