Let’s be honest — Gen Z refuses to follow rules simply because “this is how it has always been done.” They bring a fresh approach when it comes to work, communication & basic life and question many traditional norms that older generations see as standard. So here are 12 basic things Gen Z believes they totally don’t have to do — and depending on your age, you’re either nodding along… or silently judging from across the room.
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Answer the Phone
Gen Z would choose to battle a bear over taking a random phone call. If it’s not scheduled, it will likely get ignored. Don’t expect a response without texting first because Gen Z strangely finds phone calls too intense.
Show Up on Time
Strict punctuality? That’s a suggestion, not a rule. Being five to ten minutes late doesn’t bother them – as long as work gets completed. Time is flexible, like their work-from-home wardrobe.
Use Email for Communication
Email feels like a chore — or something for school newsletters and receipts. Gen Z communicates through group chats using instant messaging or voice notes and memes that say “We need to talk.” If it can’t be said in a group chat, it might not get said at all.
Work Overtime “Just to Impress”
They don’t follow a “grind till you drop” lifestyle. Gen Z employees won’t stay after hours to make their boss happy. Not worth it. Gen Z respects work boundaries and leaves their job at 5 o’clock sharp (or whenever they choose to sign off).
Dress Up Just to Look Professional
Gen Z no longer equates professionalism with stiff suits and shiny shoes. Comfort rules above all else so if you can deliver a killer presentation while wearing a hoodie then there’s no reason to dress in a blazer. They’ll choose Crocs and confidence over neckties and neck pain any day.
Make Small Talk with Strangers
If you’re trying to make conversation in an elevator, don’t be surprised if you get a polite nod and nothing else. Gen Z isn’t trying to be rude – they just don’t want to engage in small talk about the weather because they perceive little value in talking to people they won’t meet again. They reserve their social energy to build meaningful relationships.
Stick to Traditional Grammar
Punctuation? Capitalization? Full sentences? Not always necessary in Gen Z’s world. Gen Z communicates fluently through the use of emojis, internet abbreviations and slang. A message from Gen Z that ends with a period likely shows they are serious or upset.
Work for “Exposure” or Experience Only
Never ask Gen Zers to build their portfolio through unpaid work. Generation Z understands their value and confidently demands appropriate compensation. You’ll need to pay Gen Z workers because experience cannot cover living expenses or daily needs like buying iced coffee.
Use Cash or Physical Cards
Cash? Too bulky. Wallets? Kinda annoying. They prefer payment methods like tap-to-pay and mobile payment solutions such as Apple Pay and Venmo. Gen Z customers will likely shop elsewhere if businesses do not accept digital payments – usually a place with Wi-Fi.
Stay at a Job They Hate
Toxic boss? No growth? Poor vibes? Gen Z is out. They don’t feel obligated to stick around just to prove something — they’d rather protect their peace than collect a meaningless paycheck.
Pick Up Shifts When They’re Off the Clock
Gen Z is big on work-life balance. Being skilled at work doesn’t guarantee Gen Z employees will agree to every request to cover shifts. Gen Z employees guard their time off as fiercely as their Netflix passwords.
Stick to “Sir” and “Ma’am”
Politeness is important to Gen Z but they don’t always use formal titles like “sir” or “ma’am.” They might find it outdated or even awkward. They’d rather just use your name, keep it respectful and skip the stuffy language.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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