Every generation brings something new to the workplace, but Gen Z has really shaken things up.
From rethinking office etiquette to challenging outdated norms, they approach work in ways that make some older colleagues do a double take. To boomers who grew up with a “put your head down and get on with it” mentality, some of these habits seem completely bizarre. Whether it’s their approach to work-life balance or the way they communicate, younger people are redefining what it means to have a job. Here are some of the things they do at work that would make Boomers’ heads spin.
1. Setting boundaries like it’s second nature
For boomers, staying late, taking on extra projects, and always being available was just part of proving your worth. On the flip size, Gen Z has no problem saying no to things that disrupt their work-life balance. They’ll politely decline staying past their scheduled hours, turn off notifications after work, and even use their annual leave without guilt. To older generations, this can seem lazy, but in reality, it’s a healthier approach to avoiding burnout.
2. Talking openly about mental health
In the past, mental health struggles were something you dealt with privately, and admitting you were struggling at work was often seen as a weakness. Gen Z, however, has no problem being open about it. They’ll talk about stress, therapy, and the importance of mental health days like it’s just another part of life. Older generations might not be used to this level of transparency, but young people believe that prioritising their overall wellness makes them better employees.
3. Using work jargon that sounds like another language
Every workplace has its own buzzwords, but Gen Z has taken it to another level. They’ll casually throw around phrases like “Let’s circle back,” “Hard pass,” or “It’s giving unproductive” in everyday work conversations. Boomers who are used to more formal communication might find themselves completely lost. And don’t even get them started on Gen Z’s use of emojis in emails—because, yes, sometimes a simple “👀” replaces an entire sentence.
4. Calling out bad leadership
Older generations often followed a “respect authority no matter what” mindset. Gen Z, however, is much more likely to question their managers, challenge outdated policies, and call out workplace issues. They’re not afraid to ask, “Why do we do things this way?” and won’t hesitate to suggest changes if something doesn’t make sense. To boomers, this might seem like overstepping, but to Gen Z, it’s just about making work better for everyone.
5. Working remotely without guilt
Source: Unsplash For boomers, the idea of “working from home” used to be code for slacking off. But for younger people, remote work isn’t just acceptable—it’s expected. They’ll happily log in from a café, co-working space, or even their bed if it helps them be more productive. The idea that you have to be physically present in an office to do your job? That’s a concept Gen Z doesn’t buy into.
6. Refusing to suffer in silence
Source: Unsplash Past generations often felt pressure to just “deal with it” when it came to bad bosses, unfair workloads, or toxic environments. Gen Z will clearly speak up—and if nothing changes, they’ll leave. They’re not afraid to set expectations, ask for fair pay, or push for workplace improvements. Boomers might see this as entitlement, but Gen Z sees it as self-respect.
7. Sending Slack messages instead of emails
Source: Unsplash For boomers, email was the gold standard of workplace communication. Younger employees, however, prefer instant messaging tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or even voice notes. They’ll casually send a quick DM instead of writing a formal email, making communication faster (and sometimes a bit more chaotic). To older people, it can feel unstructured, but to Gen Z, it’s just the most efficient way to get things done.
8. Expecting fast promotions (or moving on quickly)
Source: Unsplash Older generations often spent years proving themselves before even thinking about a promotion. Gen Z, however, expects career growth to happen quickly, or they’ll find another job. They’re not afraid to leave a company after a year if they feel stuck, and they see job-hopping as a smart career move, not a red flag. To boomers, this can look like impatience, but to Gen Z, it’s about knowing their worth.
9. Prioritising flexibility over salary
For boomers, the goal was often to land a stable, high-paying job and stick with it. However, Gen Z is more interested in jobs that offer flexibility, even if it means earning slightly less. They’d rather work somewhere with remote options, mental health benefits, and a four-day work week than chase the highest pay cheque. Boomers might not understand why they’d turn down a traditional high-paying job, but to young people today, quality of life comes first.
10. Job hunting on TikTok
Gone are the days of printing out CVs and walking into offices. Gen Z is finding jobs through TikTok, LinkedIn DMs, and even viral tweets. They’ll create video résumés, apply for roles via social media, and network in ways that seem completely foreign to older generations. To boomers, this approach might seem unprofessional, but for Gen Z, it’s just about meeting employers where they are.
11. Expecting companies to align with their values
For previous generations, work was about earning a pay cheque, but Gen Z wants more—they want to work for companies that align with their ethics and values. They’ll research a company’s stance on social issues, check employee reviews on Glassdoor, and walk away from jobs that don’t align with their beliefs. To boomers, this might seem unnecessary, but to younger people, it’s about working somewhere that actually feels meaningful.
12. Rejecting the idea of “grinding” for the sake of it
For boomers, putting in extra hours and sacrificing personal time was seen as a badge of honour. Gen Z, however, doesn’t believe in working themselves into exhaustion just to prove a point. They value efficiency over long hours and believe that productivity should be measured by results, not time spent at a desk. The idea that working longer equals working harder? That’s one belief Gen Z isn’t buying into.
