In the ever-evolving landscape of career strategies, Gen Z workers are making waves with a trending workplace hack known as “managing up.” This approach, which has gained immense popularity on TikTok, is empowering young professionals to take control of their work lives and steer their careers towards success. In a world where work dynamics are shifting, “managing up” has become a mantra for Gen Z employees seeking to make their jobs suit their needs while simultaneously managing their bosses’ expectations.
“Managing up” essentially entails fostering a strategic relationship with one’s boss to maximize job satisfaction and performance. As the hashtag #managingup accumulates 5.5 million views on TikTok, career influencers on the platform are championing this technique as a way to tailor one’s job to their requirements and influence their boss’s perspective.
One TikToker, Amy, shared a scenario on managing up when faced with staying late and overworking. She advises pushing back in a tactful manner, suggesting that if work is being completed within paid hours but extra time is demanded, engaging in a dialogue with the manager is essential. By discussing the workload and presenting examples of completed tasks, employees can seek the boss’s advice on how to proceed differently.
Another TikToker, @cecexie, highlighted the importance of “managing upwards” in her video about the “invisible rules of starting your first corporate job.” She emphasized that adopting this practice can enhance work-life balance and ensure that personal commitments don’t take a back seat to work demands.
Despite the positive reception, managing up does have its critics. Some TikTokers argue that it signals a problematic environment, suggesting that employees shouldn’t bear the burden of managing their superiors. This perspective points out that “managing up” can exacerbate power imbalances and blur the lines of responsibility.
Nonetheless, the Gen Z generation, known for their pursuit of flexibility and work-life equilibrium, is attracted to the concept. Gen Z workers view managing up as a means to shape their own destinies within the workplace. By fostering strong relationships with their superiors, they hope to gain support for their ambitions and achieve professional growth.
As the workplace landscape evolves and new generations bring fresh perspectives, “managing up” continues to capture the attention of both workers and experts alike. While debates about its effectiveness and implications persist, its presence in the viral realm of TikTok demonstrates its relevance in the modern work environment.
Source: t.ly/f5lMz
