For many of us, turning on an out-of-office notification is one of the last things we do before going on vacation, usually a brief message notifying us that we’re on annual leave and how to contact us while we’re away. But for some Gen Z workers, out-of-office notifications are becoming another way to add a bit of flair to their workplace culture — a way to show off their personality and approach to the workplace.
With summer in full swing and offices temporarily deserted as people head off to summer revelries, social media is filled with examples of this. “On vacation, praying I win the lottery and never come back,” one post reads. “Bad news is I’m out of the office. Good news is I’m out of the office.” And one boldly states, “Contact anyone but me.”
Some are designed for virality, shared by employees at marketing firms that specialize in making brands’ social media posts go viral, but it’s a trend that’s starting to permeate the workplace at large.
“Generation Z is used to being more informal in their communication and social styles and often prefers witty messages that get to the point and speak to their priorities,” says Marvin Dinnen, a human resources specialist and author of two books on workplace culture.
Gracie Bode, marketing executive at brand-building agency Zeniff, has jumped on the trend internally, explaining that it’s all for humour. Popular phrases include “Knock, knock. Who’s that? It’s not me” and emails begin with “I hope you’re well.” “If you’ve seen our TikToks, you’ll know we’re a young, dynamic team that gets along really well,” Bode says. “We work in a very fast-paced environment, so we’re always looking for ways to brighten people’s day, and no one on our team takes that badly.”
It may be a trend that older colleagues need to understand — and it will be a hot topic when “Industry,” the hit TV show that depicts the generational gulf between characters such as Harper Stern, a rule-breaking young trader, and Eric Tao, her more conservative boss, returns next month.
Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is expected to make up around 27% of the workforce by next year. While older generations “code switch” by adopting more formal language in the workplace, Gen Z doesn’t, Mark McCrindle, co-author of Work Wellbeing, told the BBC. “We’re really starting to break down the walls between work and our personal and social lives,” McCrindle said. “We’re working from home and in mobile work environments, which naturally creates a more relaxed work environment.”
“Deep sigh”…Generation Z is rewriting the rules of messaging in the workplace. Photo: Geber86/Getty
Reddit is filled with posts lamenting these generational differences, especially when it comes to closing emails: Instead of “best wishes” or “thank you in advance,” some Gen Zers prefer “slay, serve, survive” or, on particularly tough days, a “heavy sigh.”
There are also more bureaucratic differences, such as complaints about younger employees not checking emails outside of contracted hours, those preferring video calls to in-office meetings, and staff leaving work on time to enjoy the “five to nine” routine in the evening.
At least some of this frustration with Gen Z may be rooted in jealousy. Older millennials grew up embracing “hustle culture” in the early 2000s, when “work from home” didn’t exist and skipping lunch or working late was the norm. So it’s no wonder older coworkers feel annoyed when their Gen Z colleagues set boundaries.
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“Gen Z prefers collaborative environments,” says Dinnen, “and in my experience, they value flexibility and work-life balance, and tend to dislike formality. Older generations tend to prefer a more formal structure and approach in the workplace.” But, he suggests, they should see their preference for informal environments as “an opportunity to create a more open, inclusive culture.”
Bode also points out other differences in how younger generations work. “Gen Zers feel it’s rude to not include a smiley face at the end of an email,” she says. “It all comes down to wanting to please people and not offend anyone. Whereas millennials have built their careers in a corporate environment, Gen Zers are free from the pressures of work and want to have more fun.”
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