In the fast-paced world of the UK’s food and fresh produce industry, millennial managers face a unique set of challenges. Juggling the demands of a sector that thrives on tradition, long hours, and consistency, while trying to embrace modern workplace values such as work-life balance and flexibility, is no easy task. As millennials rise into leadership roles in this industry, they are increasingly tasked with reconciling these two seemingly contradictory perspectives, while also bridging the generational gap between older colleagues and the younger, tech-savvy workforce.
Traditional Expectations in the Food Industry
The food and fresh produce industry has long been shaped by certain non-negotiable demands: early mornings, long hours, and unwavering commitment. Whether it’s ensuring fresh stock hits supermarket shelves on time or managing unpredictable supply chains, this industry is known for its demanding schedules and reliance on routine. Historically, success in this field has been measured by how much time you’re willing to dedicate, with late nights and early starts being a given.
For older generations, like Baby Boomers and Gen X, this is the natural rhythm of the industry. Dedication to the company often comes first, and there is a strong emphasis on physical presence in the workplace. Managers who visibly put in long hours are considered more committed and, by extension, more effective leaders.
But for millennial managers, raised during a time of technological advancement and an increasing focus on well-being, these traditional expectations can feel at odds with more modern values. Millennials are the generation that questions the long-established norms of what success looks like, recognising that productivity doesn’t necessarily correlate with long hours.
The Modern Workplace and Work-Life Balance
The global conversation around work-life balance has reached all industries, including food and fresh produce. The millennial viewpoint leans towards sustainability—not just in terms of food sourcing, but in work practices. Millennials value flexibility, remote working where possible, and maintaining a balance that doesn’t sacrifice personal life for professional achievement. They understand that employee well-being translates into higher productivity and better retention rates, particularly in industries that can often burn out workers due to its relentless pace.
However, introducing these ideas into a highly traditional industry is challenging. Many aspects of the food industry require physical presence—whether it’s managing a team at a production facility, ensuring fresh stock is distributed on time, or addressing quality control on the shop floor. The nature of the work means there are fewer opportunities for remote working or flexible schedules, which puts millennial managers in a difficult position: they must find ways to support modern expectations within an industry that operates on traditional demands.
Bridging the Generational Divide
Millennial managers also often find themselves acting as a bridge between older colleagues and the younger Gen Z workforce. Baby Boomers and Gen X workers are more likely to hold to traditional ideas of hard work equating to long hours and loyalty to the company. On the other hand, younger employees may expect flexibility, more immediate feedback, and a more integrated use of technology to streamline processes.
For millennial managers, this can feel like navigating two different worlds. They must honour the dedication and values of older generations while meeting the modern needs of Gen Z, who are entering the workforce with a completely different set of expectations. This requires delicate balancing—respecting traditional values while advocating for change.
Strategies for Millennial Managers in the Food Industry
- Clear Communication: In an industry where timing is critical, communication is key. Millennial managers need to clearly convey expectations to their teams, while also listening to concerns and ideas from both older and younger employees.
- Adapt Where Possible: While flexible working may not be an option for all roles, there are opportunities to introduce more modern practices. For instance, offering staggered shifts or rotating responsibilities can give workers more balance without disrupting productivity.
- Prioritising Well-being: Millennial managers should lead by example, showing that taking care of employees’ mental and physical health is crucial. This could be as simple as ensuring break times are respected or supporting employees in developing their careers rather than just demanding long hours.
- Leveraging Technology: In an industry that is increasingly reliant on technology for everything from logistics to tracking produce freshness, millennial managers can encourage their teams to embrace new tools that can streamline processes, ultimately making work more efficient.
Conclusion
Managing in the UK’s food and fresh produce industry as a millennial is no easy task. The pressure to meet traditional expectations of hard work and long hours while embracing modern values like work-life balance and employee well-being requires a careful balancing act. However, by acting as a bridge between generations, adopting flexible approaches where possible, and fostering a culture of communication and respect, millennial managers can help steer the industry into the future, ensuring both productivity and worker satisfaction thrive side by side.
Kirsty Barden, Head of Business Development, MDS
