The office was a whole different place back in the day. Boomers enjoyed privileges that made their 9-to-5 feel a lot less like work. And fast forward to today, and those benefits are either long gone or never existed for Gen Z. Some might sound unreal, but they were a regular part of office life. So, here are 10 workplace privileges Boomers had.
Pension Plans That Paid For Life
Boomers had the peace of mind that came with pension plans, which promised guaranteed monthly payments for life. They didn’t have to stress about the stock market or picking the right investments. Today, Gen Z has to rely on retirement plans, where their savings depend on diversified portfolios and their own investment choices.
Free Health Insurance With No Deductibles
Just imagine working your whole life and having health insurance with no deductibles or premiums—sounds like a dream, right? For some Boomers, it was a reality. No need to worry about high costs or complex coverage. However, this generation faces high-deductible plans, whereas Boomers even enjoyed dental and vision coverage.
Company Cars For Mid-Level Managers
So, back in the ‘80s, many mid-level managers got company cars—free gas, free maintenance, the whole deal. Nowadays, Gen Z gets mileage reimbursement if they’re lucky. Some Boomers didn’t even own their own car until retirement! And let’s not forget, luxury models weren’t exactly rare back then either.
Holiday Bonuses That Felt Like A Second Paycheck
Holiday bonuses used to be a huge deal! In the ‘80s and ‘90s, some companies gave out cash bonuses in December, sometimes as much as a month’s salary. They even used them for home downpayments. Gen Z’s “bonus”? It is usually a gift card or a pizza party.
Paid Sabbaticals For Long-Term Employees
You know, back in the day, if you stuck around at a company for 10 years, you’d actually get a paid sabbatical! They could even take 6 months off—paid! Can you imagine? Now, Gen Z rarely sees that kind of thing, unless you’re in academia. In fact, boomers used that time to travel or even start businesses!
Promotions Based On Loyalty, Not Metrics
In the past, promotions were based on loyalty rather than just performance data. So, staying with a company for years often led to moving up. Gen Z, however, faces constant evaluations through KPIs and algorithms. Plus, Boomers didn’t need LinkedIn to climb the ladder, and switching jobs too often wasn’t exactly looked as favorably.
Office Parties With Open Bars And Live Bands
Oh, the office parties back in the ‘80s and ‘90s were something else! Lavish events with open bars and live bands, basically a big celebration. Some Boomers even met their spouses at these parties, and hotel ballrooms were the go-to venues! Gen Z? They get virtual trivia nights, which, let’s be honest, isn’t quite the same.
On-Site Childcare Centers
Back in the day, some big companies offered on-site childcare, and it was either free or super affordable. Boomers also got to have lunch with their toddlers during the workday, making work-life balance much easier. Today, Gen Z faces long waitlists and expensive daycare costs, which is a whole different story.
Generous Relocation Packages
You remember when relocation packages were actually generous, right? Companies would pay for everything—your housing and even the kids’ school fees! Some Boomers moved cross-country without spending a dime, and they didn’t have to pay to ship their pets or cars. Now, Gen Z is on its own for that.
Retiring With A Gold Watch Ceremony
Retirement once came with grand celebrations, gold watches, heartfelt speeches, and plenty of cake. Many Boomers were also rewarded with lifetime achievement awards. Today, however, Gen Z may leave a company without so much as a farewell. It’s surprising how that once-common send-off has faded over time.
