Lu-Hai Liang for CNN

BEIJING (CNN) -- Five years ago, Beijinger Robert Zhao went on a trip to Tibet. What he encountered left him confused but intrigued.

A science graduate from China's elite Tsinghua University, he had been taught to mistrust superstition and religion, but in the culture and devotion of the Buddhists he met he found something worth knowing.

Now 25, he is considering giving up his job and becoming a monk.

"It means I will have to give up everything of the ordinary world," he told CNN.

While Buddhism has a long history in China, entering via missionaries from India during the Han dynasty, it was repressed during the Maoist era -- many monasteries and temples were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution and monks actively punished for believing in "superstition."

But now, a growing number of Chinese are rediscovering the country's dormant Buddhist traditions.

Some, like Zhao, are looking for a spiritual anchor in a competitive, fast-changing society. Others take comfort in meditation and enjoy volunteering.

However, it's not always easy to combine Buddhist beliefs with the demands of modern life.

Zhao works as an assistant to the boss of an environmental company. His religion means it's difficult to entertain clients and partners -- a key part of the role.

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China's stressed-out 'millenials' embrace Buddhism

Shama Hyder, CEO of the Marketing Zen Group and author of The Zen of Social Media Marketing, knows millennials. In fact, she's a millennial herself. At the 4A's Transformation conference in Austin, Texas, last week, Hyder was featured on a panel dubbed "The Minds of Millennials," where she joined other founders of startups in a discussion about how her generation is changing the business world. A passionate mentor of up-and-coming talent, Hyder is also an expert on the delicate balance required for a successful multigenerational workplace.

What advice would you give millennial managers who work with boomers and Xers? Ask for feedback, and then listen. While millennials tend to volunteer more feedback, boomers and Xers might be less inclined to, unless asked.

How can millennial bosses get the most out of older employees and facilitate a harmonious workplace? Communication and culture are key. Create an environment in which people feel comfortable voicing diverse opinions.

What tactics should they avoid? Don't make assumptions. Treat each person as an individual. Realize that while grouping people via a generation may help, it is important to recognize the diversity within each generation. Don't assume a baby boomer employee won't "get" new technology.

What do millennial managers find most difficult about dealing with older employees? Sometimes they can face initial discrimination based on their age and have to work harder to establish credibility and trust.

What should boomer and Xer employees do to get along better with their millennial managers? Reduce friction and red tape whenever possible and be open to a fresher perspective of approaching things. Millennial managers are known to ask "why" rather than accept the status quo.

When problems arise, what can each side do to fix things? It is important to come to the table with an open mind. Set aside generational differences and personal agendas and approach the situation as objectively as possible. Having a neutral mediating party can also be helpful.

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Are You a Millennial Boss? Here's How to Work With Boomers and Xers