Jessy Marshall, the owner of a public relations firm in Sydney, recently shared her supportive approach toward her Gen Z employees, emphasizing their ability to set boundaries and prioritize well-being. Marshall, whose team consists entirely of young professionals born between 1997 and 2012, noted that her staff members are upfront about their workloads and are not shy about expressing when they need a break. Understanding that they prefer to work smarter, not harder, Marshall allows her team to finish early on Fridays to enjoy a longer weekend, which she believes helps them recharge and remain productive.
In a recent example that highlights her flexible management style, one of her employees sent her a text asking if they could log off early after completing all their tasks for the day. Instead of being upset or demanding that they find more work to fill the time, Marshall simply replied with a supportive, “Yes! Log off.” This response reflects her trust in her team’s ability to manage their responsibilities and her belief in the importance of work-life balance.
Marshall, who describes herself as a workaholic, acknowledges that the nature of their work in PR and social media often extends beyond typical business hours, with events and campaigns sometimes running late into the evening. Her approach aims to provide her team with flexibility when possible, recognizing that they will still respond to urgent matters when necessary. This understanding approach allows her employees to maintain a sense of control over their schedules while still meeting the demands of their roles.
Her attitude toward flexible working conditions is a refreshing contrast to the traditional expectation of staying at the office until the end of the workday, regardless of workload. While not all bosses may be as accommodating, Marshall’s method highlights the potential benefits of trusting employees to manage their time and responsibilities effectively, promoting a healthier and more balanced workplace culture.
