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68 Annoying Gen Z Office Behaviors That Might Have Millennials Questioning The Future Of Work
Every generation brings a fresh perspective on how to live life, earn money, and behave. There’s nothing wrong with that kind of self-expression, but it can cause problems for older folks who just can’t get used to the behavior of the youth.
This is exactly what millennials and boomers have been facing in the workplace, as they can’t seem to wrap their heads around everything Gen Zers do. This list is full of stories of complaints, laments, and shock over the younger generation’s corporate etiquette that might give everyone a laugh and a reality check.
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#1
I think the lack of professional attire is a big issue for the older generations. Gen Z tends to dress more casually and it reads as a lack of effort. While there are some very welcome changes (SNEAKERS!), a crop top is simply not appropriate for the office or anything that is overly... showy?? I think that is a mistake that is common for young women to make in the office of any generation but it definitely is a thing for Gen Z.
Some older people will be grouches about changes to their norm. Don't let it bother you too much.
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#2
Maybe this was just an issue at my job cuz I didn't see it in the comments here but the genZers I worked with were *constantly* on their phone. I'm not anti phone at work, I had mine handy like most other people, but if there wasn't a patient actively in front of them, they're staring at the phone. Doing it a bit doesn't bother me... we all need a lil mental break sometimes but when there's work to do (that is everyone's job to help with) and you're scrolling tiktok instead of helping it's pretty annoying.
They'd also genz stare but I'd beat that out of them quick - people are checking in for an appointment! Don't make them stand there and guess what the hell you need, SAY HELLO!!!
#3
Responding to messages. I don't understand why it is so hard? The Gen Z I interact with almost never responds to text messages or questions. I know they aren't trying to be disrespectful and we've discussed it before but even just an "OK" or "Yes Sounds good" Can go a long way, much preferrable to complete radio silence.
Older people were taught that the workplace should be professional and that they’re not allowed to do anything that would jeopardize it. Unfortunately, the youth didn’t really get the memo, and research shared by HR World suggests Gen Zs tend to be very casual, whether they’re sending emails, attending meetings, or even talking to their boss.
Even in corporate settings where they are supposed to pay attention, young folks can be found scrolling or tuning out conversations with one earbud in. Their communication style may also need a few tweaks, as they use memes and GIFs to get their point across, which older folks certainly aren’t used to.
#4
They give up the second something becomes too hard. If something doesnt work, they immediately ask someone what to do instead of doing a quick google search for a solution. However, don't spend too long trying to find the answer yourself because there may be an easy solution and you dont want to waste too much time going down the wrong path.
#5
One of the issues that really gets to me is that the younger generation often can't spell any more and commonly uses incorrect grammar.
One time I had a younger colleague who sent an email to a client with several grammar and spelling errors and decided to tell her outright that if I was the recipient I would assume that this is a phishing email and would bin it.
I feel there us no excuse for being illiterate in a professional position.
#6
It's not really rude or off-putting; I actually find it a little entertaining, but every morning (I work in IT) we have to type up a one- or two-line bullet-point list of stuff we are working on. The Millennials and the Gen X's are pretty straightforward in what they are working on, for example, "setting up x network" or "installing x package", and then the Gen Zs will put things like "Oh Hey".
What does Oh Hey mean. WHAT DOES IT MEAN.
One thing millennials and their older counterparts find tough to stomach about Gen Zers is that they don’t shy away from expressing their opinions on social media. Even though only 34% of older folks are willing to criticize toxic jobs or call out bad bosses, 48% of youth are willing to do the same.
This suggests they’re bolder and more brash than those who came before them, and it may be because they understand the power of social media. Just by calling attention to terrible workplace policies, they could help bring about change for themselves and others.
#7
This is so nitpicky but I hate that Gen Z kids don't announce themselves when they walk into a room. Gen X and Millennials I know were taught to do that and regularly walk into a meeting or space, or even a zoom meeting, and say hi or good morning or SOMETHING. Gen Z doesn't do it! They just slither in and sit and it's so odd to me. It's not an actual problem because let's be real but the older I get, the more I find it rude.
#8
Here are my observations from having to deal with Gen Z in the last 2 years
1. Some people are way too informal, like they don't take anything seriously and when they do is now personal.
2. Even if you have close relationships with your coworkers you should still be respectful (be on time, follow deadlines, etc)
3. Learn how to take feedback and criticism without making it a personal attack.
4. Manners are everything. Saying please and thank you, to everyone will take you far.
#9
Telling me how old they were when I tell them something about myself. For example, I was talking about a trip I took, and she says something like "Oh wow, that was like 4 years after I was born." Are you trying to hurt me, Kayla? WHAT DID I DO TO YOU?!
We hear a lot about work-life balance online, but it seems like only the younger generation is putting this into practice. Older folks still believe in not leaving work until their boss does, which is why they might stay on longer and add more to their plate.
According to Forage, this strict boundary can actually help people protect their mental and physical well-being in the long run. Compared to 62% of Millennials who believe that work is central to their identity, only 49% of Gen Z believe that. This could signal a big shift in how younger folks approach their jobs and why they might not want to spend extra time on them.
#10
The Gen Z stare is very real.
In the work place, there’s a certain measure of “performative positivity” that needs to be employed to maintain a positive work environment. Even if you’re having a terrible day, you have to make some attempt to connect positively with your colleagues. I know, it’s stupid; but it keeps things running smoothly.
I’ve found that with Gen Z employees, they would rather stare blankly at you than participate in whatever you have to say. If they don’t find what you said interesting to their personal or professional experience, they’ll just stare for an awkward amount of time and maybe say, “mm, yeah.”
Read the room, and try to participate on positive notes. If your elder coworker starts talking about dumb things like the weather or television, just try to relate in some way.
It’s dumb, I know, but work is a people’s game as much as it is numbers.
#11
I think the big thing I see is flakiness. I work in a severely underpaid field (education) but it doesn’t feel like it. We have a huge issue with our Gen Z teacher assistants literally just regularly showing up to work. I have no idea how they get by because I make much more than them and I can’t take off that much and still pay my mortgage.
And it’s happened enough times that I do think it’s an interesting case study: the only 2 times I’ve ever seen someone get hired and IMMEDIATELY take longterm (paid!) leave for anxiety, it was Gen Z employees. I thought that was pretty wild.
#12
I’ve learned they don’t necessarily care about making a good impression I guess? I’m only 31 but there are some gen z girls that started at my company recently, one the week of my birthday. She straight up told me I was old after hearing it was my bday lol. I was like darn, girl that’s pretty bold of you to say to on your first day. Just struck me as odd and unprofessional.
Many companies don’t allow employees to speak openly about their salaries because they worry it might lead people to demand even more. Gen Zers are desperately trying to change that, and 65% say salary transparency is their greatest motivator when applying for a position.
This open discussion of what they earn can shock older folks who aren’t used to it. It might also threaten systems that thrive on secrecy and silence. It’s possible that millennials and elder people may struggle to come to terms with this idea, but it could be beneficial to all in the long run.
#13
One thing I’ve noticed that seems to be unique to Gen Z is walking around the office with headphones on. It’s pretty typical to have them on at your desk while listening to music or on a call. It seems like only the Gen Z folks do this while heating up food, going to the restroom, etc. It minimizes their opportunities for more casual, peer-to-peer connections, from what I can tell.
NetworkMan 7 minutes ago
'It minimizes their opportunities for more casual, peer-to-peer connections'. Exactly, I don't need to hear about your cats for the 14th time this week whilst I'm reheating my pasta.
#14
Dude….I work with a bunch of Gen Z kids (service industry job). We all get along really well and they’re fun kids and I love them, but my god. First of all, they cannot put their phones down. They’re constantly on those scrolls on Tik Tok and IG where it’s just non stop posts popping up. Like, a constant stream of content. Second, there is literally no work ethic with a few of them. All they can talk about is leaving early. “I mopped, can I go now…I’m so bored…etc.”. They’re also insanely loud, like singing songs and stuff. I think in general there’s this lack of understanding that a workplace is not purely a social situation. They don’t seem to understand what having a job means. I can’t fully explain it, but it’s strange. Also, some kid showed up for a job interview a few months ago wearing sweatpants and a sweat shirt.
#15
The only thing I can think of that makes me groan internally is when I try to share something with them and they vocalize loudly that they weren’t even born yet- 1.Are you trying to make me feel embarrassed? 2. Whether you were born yet or not has nothing to do with the thing I am trying to share with you.
The great part of every new group of young people is that they bring a lot of unique ideas to the table. Even though some of them might be tough to come to terms with, ultimately they help change and mold society in an interesting way. Older generations may not be on board with all of Gen Z’s radical ideas yet, but hopefully a time will come when everything they do just seems normal.
What do you think about the work ethic and behavior of youth in the workplace? We’d love to hear your honest thoughts.
#16
i'm a younger millenial, but it's three things:
- speakerphone. in the enclosed office space. i realise that this may be a me issue, but i don't understand this one at all. i've asked some zoomer friends and it's apparently because a lot of them feel a bit too delicate to handle the full power of a non-speakerphone call, i guess.
- basically, a lack of initiative - other people observing me at work have said that the relationship between me and my former trainees is like a teacher and primary school students, they're constantly asking me or chatgpt to solve issues that would just require opening up one of our spreadsheets and actually looking at it. or checking their emails. or checking their notes, which i asked them to make (i had to ask) during training for this exact reason.
- oversharing. please stop talking about your struggles with neurodivergence and your blood sugar and the mean things you say to your girlfriend. we don't know each other like that and, crucially, i did not ask. obviously, i don't want anyone to feel bad about themselves or like they can't banter among themselves in the office, so i let them get on with it.
OP, you seem like a very considerate person, and i hope this thread is useful to you rather than just a bunch of old people venting lol.
#17
When they won’t Google basic terms they’re not familiar with. It’s weird because I’ve interacted with people who don’t even try it before asking someone else. Everyone has their own work to do - they’re not NPCs that are only here to explain game mechanics. I’m happy to help but not if I’m going to get used as a Google bot for them.
When they ask me when I’m free to meet instead of putting time on my calendar so it’s blocked off. I don’t know when I’m “free” bc every day is different and I get pulled into meetings suddenly. Just use Outlook and it’s scheduling assist especially if we’re in different time zones.
Not Zoomer specific but I get annoyed when people message me “Hi” without any context at work. Please just say what you need.
#18
The Gen Zers I work with use a lot of slang in the office, which is whatever, but if someone is giving you feedback, "Period" or "Slay" aren't always the best responses.
#19
Older millennial here, the “No problem” thing was frowned upon when I first entered the workforce too back in early 2000’s. It was explained to me back then, that saying that somehow implied that their request was otherwise a problem. Needless to say I’ve used it since regardless, throughout my now 18 years in a few different career fields. Have only ever got flack from generations older than myself. There’s only 1 Gen Z guy in my large office that I know. Seems pretty much like my generation was at that age, still a bit immature, but wanting to work for the most part and make a living. Maybe I’m a bit more laidback, but I’ve not noticed any generational bad habits from other younger folks I work with.
#20
The biggest problem I've run into is an issue with submitting sub-par work and getting annoyed when you tell them it still has to be done correctly. They don't get why you can't just give them a C and be done. No, I need it to be to the professional industry standard you claimed you were educated at and could perform when you were hired!
#21
So something I haven’t noticed being brought up yet (or maybe it’s been commented on and I literally haven’t noticed it yet lol) is the type of industry you’re in. How a person acts in an advertising agency vs. a law firm vs. a warehouse is going to be very different from the other.
I, 31F, work in an ad agency as a writer in NYC. Because of this, there is an expected air of casual artistic nonsense in my workplace. There’s a bar cart in the corner that people can drink from if they work late (which is very common), people wear jeans and sneakers and tshirts, and the President of the agency is a dude in his early 50’s who’s covered bald-head-to-toes in tattoos who swears and plays hallways basketball with the interns when he has a few minutes to spare.
I can never imagine any of that flying in a law firm.
And in my case at the ad agency, I have no nits to pick about the Gen Zs there except to maybe be less self conscious and nervous. No one will bite. But then again I remember being that age, so it’s not a fault I find harmful.
#22
Im a middle millennial. The biggest clash i see is the older generations feel like work is a blessing and you should devote your whole life to it, and put up with anything and everything that comes with it. My job is hard, we work a lot of overtime, weekends and holidays and at least half of it is physical labor that sends multiple out with ergonomic injuries every year. That coupled with the mental labor and office politics can be rough. A lot of the younger staff in the past few years have either complained and tried to change the system or straight up quit because they thought it wasnt worth it. And older more senior staff seem baffled and some seem offended that Gen Z won't sacrifice all of their time, and their health for these jobs. So they come at them over things like clothing, and mannerisms. Ive seen some older worker become downright hostile over the length of a 22 year olds skirt - when we change into scrubs almost immediately when clocking in.
#23
I personally think "say less" is rude. I can't say less I already said it. "Talk less" is what it communicates to me. Kinda mean.
#24
I think this is just a 'youth' issue, but now that I'm a working mom, listening to Gen Z complain about their (relatively minor) problems with no sense of perspective for what anyone else is going through is exhausting. Like, every day I'm out here surviving, and they're stressing about someone not using their work mailbox the way they requested.
But I think that's more a symptom of how difficult life is, and the way it's pressing down on me and making it hard to find empathy. I was 100% the same way when their age!
Just generally a lack of consideration drives me batty. And there are some 'workplace' culture things that they don't grasp. Like one coworker routinely goes for their snack break at the same time, regardless of how busy we are, when the culture in my department was always to try and take breaks only when we aren't busy. Oh and assuming his preference for break time/lunch time is the default, and never asking what my preference is. Stuff like that. Courtesy things that say that you are thinking about anyone other than yourself.
It's not a language issue at all, for me. Maybe I, myself, am too informal. But I was a bit surprised to hear Gen Z coworkers forget to gender some of my nonbinary and trans coworkers and volunteers correctly. I'm chalking that one up to lack of experience/exposure, but I was kind of surprised that generation doesn't know better.
Edited to add: I'm 40, so, elder millennial.
#26
A behavior that I mostly notice from folks under ~30 that drives me kind of crazy is when someone gives me something and just says "here you go" or doesn't even say ANYTHING.
Take a second to explain what you're giving me, what you expect me to do with it, whether there will be more things like it, etc-- just something like "Here's this week's TPS report. Double check the info on page 6 and send it to Kelly by noon for approval" or whatever, even if it seems obvious!
#27
I teach Gen Z students in grad school and overall, I’ve observed that younger people seem to place less value on building and maintaining in-person relationships and communication. It’s almost as if the only relationships most value are those that happen online, and everything else is taken for granted.
#28
So I'm pretty smack dab in the middle of the millennial age range. Senior engineer and over see 50ish people give or take. Usually have a handful of Gen Z people doing internships or as permanent hires.
One thing that has been an issue repeatedly with several different people has been sending an email that is professional. Sound like a Karen, but I just don't like your tone, haha. Many of them struggle with the proper amount of familiarity to have in what is a business interaction. There is also the matter of proof reading, not exclusive to your generation, but seemingly worse.
They have a hard time asking for help from their superiors. In my line of work no one expects you to know everything when you walk in the door. I do expect you learn and ask when you don't know. They usually try googling answers and mess things up rather than quickly asking a superior or coworker in the office.
Honestly those are the only two I can say are a constant.
#29
Treating assigned work as optional. Not reading the requirements, and just doing what they think will be cool. Not asking for guidance from more senior people. Not heeding guidance that is given (this is probably a time honoured truth about young people everywhere).
#30
Gen Z should show up as they are to the workplace! I’m a younger millennial and we all burnt out playing the dumb archaic games. Don’t let us do the same to all of you
Be yourself, advocate for yourself and negotiate for yourself, set and enforce strong boundaries and if older generations give you a hard time try to learn to work together without hiding your identity in the process
You deserve to be yourself in the workplace.
#31
Xennial here. Please remeber you are NOT hanging out with friends. You're at work. I'm not your friend, I dont care about your personal life, mental health issues or struggles with neurodivergence; I have my own problems. It's not personal, I just dont care about you on the same level as your friends, family and former teachers.
Seriously, the expectation from Gen Z that everyone cares deeply for them and will accommodate their every whim and quirk is exhausting. Literally everyone has problems and a whole life going on.
#32
Overly relying on Teams/Slack/email to communicate. I’m mentoring and training a group of Gen Z staff and many of them will send a Teams message in reply to an inquiry, get no response, and then just kinda … let it go? Look, I am a Gen X’er who haaaaaates the phone but there ARE a lot of times where picking up the phone is the fastest solution. Also - make a call if it’s more than 3 emails to explain.
#33
I'm a director for a college within the IT department, as well as the network/systems administrator, and I work with quite a few people within Gen Z - there are a lot of things I appreciate about them, but the one thing that gets me is the lack of effort sometimes. I can't stand when someone comes to me, asking for a solution, and looking dumbfounded when I ask what steps they took for troubleshooting. There are different mindsets I've seen in my years for how someone tackles problems, namely with their critical thinking and how they figure out a problem, but some of these younger technicians feel like they just want the solution to be immediately found on Google or else it's not worth looking into at all.
Not all Gen Z technicians have been this way though - I've had some that are absolutely brilliant and have tackled problems in ways I hadn't considered, which is always fun to learn from! Also seeing fresh perspectives within the IT world is a good thing, especially with how things are evolving.
#34
The biggest piece of advice I could give anyone of any generation is, own your mistakes. Take it on the chin, don’t argue unless you’re certain they’re wrong. If they are wrong, you still need to be cordial, unless someone is being disrespectful to you. However, taking the high road, asking how you can do better and/or make corrections, and taking accountability will get you far. A mistake is just an opportunity to learn something new.
#35
Some things I have witnessed: filming TikToks when they think no one is watching, sharing too much of their personal problems that involve their family and relationships, calling out frequently, and thinking anyone 27 years of age and up are just old. I constantly hear the terms “pushing 30” and “pushing 40” when quite literally there is so much growing up to do and other things to focus on rather than age.
#36
GenXer here…my biggest issues with GenZ are two fold - main character syndrome and manners. Nope, really don’t give a dang what you did last weekend or how you were traumatized by something I’d consider a minor inconvenience. I realize that sounds harsh but I’m not at work to make friends; im at work to make money so I don’t starve.
Manners, whether you (general) like it or not, are the social grease that allows many disparate groups of people to work together without constantly offending people. Being polite isn’t performative (for most, it’s a reflex anyway) but it’s 100% necessary for a more tranquil work environment. My work is stressful enough (senior software engineer) without having to navigate interpersonal land mines because people ‘don’t want/feel the need to be polite.’ Politeness costs nothing, rudeness costs everything.
And, yeah, I was all f**k that noise when I was in my 20s. I was horridly obnoxious back then. I try not to be now.
#37
Professionalism has gone out the window. My younger coworkers talk to clients of our business like they are best friends. They dress (and often look) like they are going to bed or more likely just rolled out of bed. One had her back cheeks hanging out. Another had her entire bra showing. Be on time- walking in at 9:01 is not how to properly be on time. Get off your phone.
Worst though… entitlement.
#38
A general lack of awareness of how you interact in space with others. Taking up an entire shelf in the fridge is rude, talking loudly is rude, turning your desk into your living room is inappropriate and unprofessional, showing up to work in lounge or gym clothes or anything like that is deeply unprofessional—I am begging your generation to stop wearing crop tops and short hemlines to work. Talking in slang all the time and not being respectful to supervisors and coworkers is unprofessional and makes the people with the power to promote you deeply offput. Email etiquette seems to be completely tossed out the window and nobody knows how to write coherently, use grammar and punctuation, or write an appropriate send-off.
The Gen Z stare is just so bizarre. It’s such a strange confluence of being wildly rude and me wondering “does this person actually have a brain??”
The “you’re welcome/no problem” thing is not a problem. It’s fine. Millennials do the same thing. The only people who get angry about it are either NIMBY’s or are over 65. If your boss has a problem with it, adjust for your own sake, but I would be shocked if someone under 45 was upset by it. I will say, you should get used to saying you’re welcome for your own psyche’s sake. The no problem thing is culture-driven—you’re welcome acknowledges that what you did deserves gratitude, no problem minimizes the kindness and thoughtfulness of your actions so as to not make the other person feel indebted. Millennials and younger generations have been socially conditioned to reduce collective responsibility and eliminating gratitude and consideration of others contributes to that.
#39
I'm a millenial-gen z cusp and I work with 3 Gen-Z girls who are nice in general but they have annoying bits about them that I get irritated by in the work place:
- too casual that it seems inconsiderate; "protecting their peace" in the work place and such and such is a bit unprofessional to me
- throwing a tantrum/being too emotional in the work place and assuming people will tolerate that because they're "young"
- adding their "two cents" to a conversation and it's just some brainrot / "ragebait" thing.
#40
My biggest pet peeve with Gen Z is that they seem unwilling to work through problems. I was running behind and asked my Gen Z coworker to replace a part for me while I went to another location. He got the new part and just laid it on top because he “didn’t know how” to install it. I was like… ummm ask someone to show you? Or just…try to do it using common sense and problem-solving? Google it if all else fails?
I was at another location recently and their printer had been “broken” for YEARS. I spent 20ish minutes working on it, realized it wasn’t something I could fix, put in a ticket and it was fixed within several hours. All of the Gen Z employees there had just decided to work without a printer because no one even tried to fix it.
Second I hate that I have to always start the interaction. Don’t just stare at me say hi or something ya weirdo!
#41
Just...not replying to emails. 3/5 emails I send have to be chased up a week or so later, and there's no apology.
I've also mastered the art of the one sentence email to bypass any lack of attention span. Makes no difference.
#42
I work with Gen Z students all day and honestly I think there’s more variety than consistency - like a lot of this is personality. If I had one piece of advice, it would be to ask your coworkers to get coffee or lunch or something one on one so you can get to know them. Some might be awkward but basically just try to get to know people more directly maybe. And once you’ve hopefully found a couple that feel more friendly, dont be afraid to ask people for advice, including on stuff like this - you can also ask directly for feedback on your work too.
I feel like regardless of age the biggest jump people struggle with between school and work is that your work is not like a school assignment - it’s collaborative, you sometimes have to ask for feedback, and checking in and asking questions along the way like a team is really vital. Edits aren’t corrections or errors necessarily - sometimes they are and sometimes it’s just the team writing/creative process for example. Stuff like that. If you view everything like an assignment, it’s easy to get given work and sort of disappear and not really get to know people, and also to take edits as being like a grade vs just someone working with you or gently coaching you because they know you’re learning. Interns who would check in, ask for advice or feedback, and also make an effort to know me were always the ones who really stood out when I was supervising - and age wasn’t necessarily the thing that predicted that.
#43
One that really surprised me was when a Gen Z colleague said thumbs upping her message was rude and passive aggressive. I thumbs upped it to acknowledge I’d seen it and agreed without having to write back. I had no idea it could be taken any other way.
The above might make it sound like I’m guilty of this (and i don’t think its exclusively s Gen Z trait) but i sometimes find there is almost a sense of looming to be offended and taking criticism personally. I can’t think of any specific examples right now (except the thumbs up) but I’ve deffo had some younger colleague almost look to find offence in something normal and mundane. Whenever it’s happened I tend to see how you could see it that way, but it feels like it takes a fair bit of looking for it to mean that.
#44
We have a guy whose probably 25 or so. He is so entitled it's insane. Disrespectful. He throws around words like "unsafe" because his boss never yells at him. He has a very stoic attitude and stays calm at all times. This kid will deliberately do something completely rude, inappropriate and on purpose and our boss will maintain composure and speak to him calmly which isn't what he wants apparently. His boss is one of the owners with his brother and he hates him to his core. He's constantly trying to call him out on things he doesn't understand and when the boss doesn't get in trouble he throws fits in front of everyone. It's his life's mission to get the owner fired I guess. He says at the end of the day it's either himself or the owner that has to quit. What kind of mindset is that? He's immature. He goes from work station to work station to talk badly and get other people riled up. I've never seen anything like it.
Also, the owner is my boyfriend of over 8 years so I have intimate knowledge as to what this guy does. I work there also.
He tries to get other people on his "team" to talk badly and creates division. It's got to the point where no one even listens to this guy anymore. He's so immature and disrespectful and pouts when things don't go his way. I've never seen anything like it.
#45
Omg not to sound like an old person but literally they don’t do anything extra at work. When something comes up that would be done by a group in 5, they’ve ran off back to their offices drives me up a wall.
#46
Some guy at my place in his early 20s got hired by his dad and it wasn’t an advertised role. He gets in at 10am twice a week and leaves at 2.45pm sharp cause of “the trains”. We have people who get in at 7.30am and leave at 4pm to make it work. This guy just gets let off the hook and everyone hates it.
#47
I work in retail so the bad behaviour I notice is I think a lot of the younger gens need to understand they're not in school anymore. You can't just walk off when you're supposed to be on a register and do whatever you want. Not everyone is going to be friends with you. And after a certain point there is no more hand holding, you either do the job or you don't work here anymore.
#48
At my current job I'm in basically the same situation. I'm 27 and the youngest person after me is 35/36 I'm pretty sure, then after her its 40+. Something I learned (accepted?) is that since I am the youngest, they'll treat me like I'm young so no reason for me to worry about behaving "mature" when they already have a mindset about me.
Obviously, I try to be as professional as possible, but thankfully there is some grace that I am new to my career and still learning, whereas they've been there for 15+ years.
Originally I felt bad not being about to relate to them, but eventually it just became a running joke about them being old and me being young, and we eventually found other things to relate to (we're in the south so a common one is how southern traditions and etiquette are still strong over generations).
#49
Don’t get offended by feedback or being asked to do what you see as a little extra by having the “i am not paid for this attitude.” Making an effort to stay on top of things, punctuality and willingness to try and put yourself forward for things gets you noticed in a good way. If you adopt the attitude a lot have of “I will only put the same effort in as i see that I am paid for” then you just end up fitting the entitlement narrative.
#50
I'm an elder Millennial, and most of my colleagues are Gen Z. I love them, they're intelligent, funny, kind people, but they have no sense of initiative. They stand around bored a lot of the time. There are things to do, things that aren't hard and wouldn't take much effort, but would occupy some time, be helpful to their colleagues, make the place look better, and make their shifts go by faster, but they just stand there. Unless they're specifically given a task, they just don't do anything.
I am not in favour of doing more work. I'm not interested in doing anything that's beyond my job description. But if I'm bored, I'll find something to do. And if that helps my friends/colleagues, that's great.
#51
It's a great sign that you're even asking. So, good for you! You're on the right path. Stay self-aware.
Be communicative. We are dealing with an intern who is currently in college.
They never email their weekly schedule since we wanted to give them flexibility because of their own schedule.
So I have had to email twice to ask them to give me their schedule for the following week. A few times already they haven't kept their schedule.
We give them special assignments, ones that they should learn to do in this specific field. We suspect they are using AI and even used an AI detector for one assignment. We do not allow AI to generate our work.
They never greet anyone when they walk into the main office or into the smaller office they share with some coworkers. Maybe they feel they don't want to bother people or whatever, idk. But a simple good morning or hello would be totally fine.
I actually experienced the Gen Z stare from another intern we had last summer. I was flabbergasted until I saw TT videos making fun of it. Then, I thought, "Ohhhh! It's a thing!" Lol. I don't have kids.
#52
Leaving their messes for other people to deal with and then getting offended when it comes up in conversation. Being held accountable for literally anything. It’s why I left management. They need kid gloves handling.
#53
Well millennial here working with gen Z: the entitlement is kinda weird: i deserve this promotion because i dealt with one crazy customer for 2 months( the x and millennials dealt with way more). Or how rude some people are it’s crazy. A lot of good potential i dont generalize some great kids but some are awful man. Try smiling to a barista ordering coffee they ll look at you like you re a weirdo. Its like a reverse boomer situation not back in my time but more now on our time good luck with the next generation lol the alpha seems wild.
#54
Basic manners. My little sister and I got into it because she told me her and her coworkers all burp and fart at work. Shes 15 years younger then I am. She has no concept of politeness or manners. She acts like shes at home at work. Also why is all of genz going around dressed like they just woke up or rolled out of bed. Please put on actual clothes and wash your hair. Be more considerate of people. You all are so in youre own feelings you have zero respect for others. You dont understand the importance of team work either. Getting along in an office or team job is so important. You dont have to be friends, in fact youre not friends, but you should be polite and friendly. Learn to swallow your pride a little. The world wasnt built around you.
#55
The biggest difference I find from our regular crew (youngest person is in their 30s) and the college students that work here in the summers, is that the students talk a lot and at a loud volume. Some of my coworkers change the time they take their lunch break to avoid being in the break room at the same time as the students lol.
#56
Ok I'm 29 (so barely a millennial lol) but I have a ton of Gen Z coworkers. The "no problem" vs. "you're welcome" is BS imo but I will say that I think a lot of my coworkers are just... generally unprofessional?? This is definitely workplace specific but I'll give examples - so I'm a nurse in a hospital and I work at night. I overhear some of my younger coworkers talking to patients and I feel like a lot of the time their language is just very casual, occasional cussing even, calling patients terms of endearment like "girl" or "bro". I also think they're generally louder at night in the hallways which I do find irritating because yes even though we have to be awake, the patients need to sleep.
#57
LOL I did not know the gen z stare was a thing and I had it happen to me yesterday and it makes so much sense now. She looked really displeased and I felt like I was bothering her (picking up a sandwich I ordered to-go...)
#59
Using slang or abbreviations in work emails. Those should be the most professional writing you do. Don’t assume people know what you mean. Pretend every email will be read by your boss and/or HR. Be specific and concise. Always proofread before sending.
#60
Complaining to HR about every LITTLE thing. There’s no sense of conflict resolution skills so the workplace can start to feel like HS all over again with peers “tattling” on others.
#61
Showing up 15-30 Mins late everyday and leaving 30 early even after being talked to about it.
#62
They don't understand file structures on computers. Like, files in nested folders. I think because files are stored in an app on a phone, thinking about them this way is less intuitive than those of us who came of age on desktops. It's like all files exist at the same "level." Meaning, they can't navigate file systems, an every day task in most workplaces. It's the same for boomers. Everything is on the desktop or it doesn't exist.
Also, this is weird, but I don't think they know how to follow a sequential list of instructions. Random small instructions thrown at them that help them solve one very specific problem seem good, but sitting down and following a list of sequential instructions seems completely foreign to them.
#63
Etiquette and manners. When colleagues make a mistake, I don’t mind helping them, but I do expect a “thank you.” And if they mess up again, and I have to take time out of my day and toggle over cognitively to address their thing, some kind of apology or accountability is expected. I repeatedly get “ooh I didn’t know that. Okay.” And then next time “haha oops!” or the Gen Z face (which actually enrages me bc I’m the one that should be making that face in this particular instance).
Ultimately it’s fine, bc it’s a job and we’re paid to make sure things get done, but the lack of consideration of others becomes obvious at a certain point, and eventually I’m just sending these issues up the chain.
#65
Working 5 days a week, 8 hours a day is hard as hell for some gen z people. Multiple calls of being sick, unable to make it into work. Most are genuinely ill, but there's a handful who lie and do it on the regular each month. Being in a team is really difficult to manage when you can't really rely on each member always showing up. Especially when there's someone on annual leave along with sickness.
#66
Take criticism from us Elders constructively, never personally. Your generation has strong emotions - which isnt a bad quality but learn to receive vs react. (I hope that makes sense!) Most of us are just like you, with the advantage of trial and error under our belts! We learned some things the hard way YIKES and some things came easy.... So trust us to pass along what we can to you.
#67
Boomers considered it rude to say "no problem" instead of "your welcome" when I was a teen in the 00s.
#68
A friend who works in a law library informally records how often the summer associates and then new associates from school actually thank him after training and setting up their accounts. It’s dropped dramatically in recent years.
I don’t take that entirely as a generational issue as a privilege issue, but still worth noting.
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