The workplace has all kinds of new energy since Gen Z has joined the ranks—and they’ve brought some fresh habits that have changed the workplace entirely. While they do have plenty of innovative ideas, some of their more quirky habits have made some of their colleagues rather uneasy. Here are eleven things Boomer bosses don’t like about what Gen Z does at work.
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Communicating with Emojis and GIFs
Gen Z loves to use emojis & GIFs in their messages, even in professional settings—sending a thumbs-up emoji or a funny reaction GIF in a work email is natural to them. But their boomer bosses tend to find this informal style unprofessional and they sometimes misinterpret the tone that Gen Z tried to give off. Naturally, this creates all kinds of confusion that boomer bosses wish they could do without.
Seeking Instant Feedback Frequently
Gen Z employees are eager to grow and improve, so they often ask for feedback right after completing tasks, which may involve going into their boss’s office multiple times a day for input! They have genuine enthusiasm but most boomer bosses are accustomed to scheduled reviews and feel overwhelmed by the constant need for immediate responses. They’d like for the younger generation to understand there’s a time and place for feedback.
Mixing Personal Social Media with Work
Sharing work experiences on personal social media accounts comes naturally to Gen Z and so they might post photos from the office & tag the company in their stories. Boomer bosses tend to worry about privacy issues and the company’s image, which makes them feel uneasy about blending their personal online presence with their professional life. For them, a clear boundary between work and social media is much more important.
Challenging Traditional Hierarchies
Gen Z is also unafraid to voice their opinions and they’ll speak up with ideas or questions, regardless of rank—they might directly approach senior executives with suggestions! Such boldness surprises many boomer bosses as they’re used to more formal chains of command. They usually see this approach as bypassing established protocols that have been around for quite a while.
Expecting Technology to Solve Everything
Since the younger generation has grown up in a digital age, they usually rely heavily on technology for problem-solving and they might suggest new software for every issue. They also prefer virtual meetings over face-to-face ones, which boomer bosses find strange—sometimes, they’ll even see this reliance as excessive. They prefer hands-on experience & personal interactions over tech-based solutions that may or may not work.
Multitasking During Meetings
Likewise, Gen Z employees often go on their laptops or phones, checking emails or taking notes digitally during meetings, as they believe they’re still paying attention while maximizing their time. Most boomer bosses believe it’s a sign of disengagement and rude behavior on the part of younger people. They expect undivided attention during discussions and they prefer note-taking the old-fashioned way—with pen & paper.
Taking Personal Phone Calls During Work Hours
Gen Z employees casually take personal calls or answer texts during the workday because they’re used to being always connected—they don’t see a quick chat with a friend as a big deal. However, boomer bosses often believe that such behavior is as unprofessional as it is distracting. They expect employees to handle any personal matters during breaks (if at all at work) or after hours, certainly not in the middle of work tasks.
Requesting Time Off for Personal Interests Frequently
It’s no secret that Gen Z care a lot about experiences, so they don’t hesitate to ask for time off to attend festivals, travel, or pursue hobbies, as they believe in enjoying life. Waiting for retirement is something they don’t understand and this kind of behavior frustrates boomer bosses who prioritize work commitments. Older generations view frequent time-off requests as a lack of dedication or reliability, especially when they take place during important projects.
Pushing for Companies to Address Social Issues
Younger generations are big believers in social & environmental issues, which is why Gen Z often wants their employers to take a stand on these problems. They’ll urge the company to support causes and make public statements or implement sustainable practices that align with their moral goals. Yet older bosses are more hesitant to mix business with politics or social activism as they worry about alienating customers & feel that the workplace isn’t the right place for these discussions.
Embracing Unconventional Workspaces
Lots of people in Gen Z like working from a beanbag chair, the office floor and even standing up because they care about getting comfort & flexibility in their work environment. Boomer bosses are more used to traditional desks and chairs, so they see this as rather unconventional. They worry about maintaining a professional atmosphere and it’s quite hard to balance a more relaxed workplace with the norms they’re accustomed to.
Preferring Flexible Work Hours Over Set Schedules
Gen Z usually wants the freedom to set their own work hours because they believe they’re just as productive outside the traditional 9-to-5, so they might arrive later in the morning or leave earlier in the afternoon. Boomer bosses argue that such behavior is a sign that younger people lack discipline & commitment to their work. They prefer for everyone to be on the same schedule because it’s better for consistency and collaboration across the board.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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