10 Gen Z Work Habits Older Generations Can't Stand That Are Actually Pretty Good For You
stockfour | Shutterstock With Gen Z valuing flexibility and ethics, their change-maker attitude has thrown workplace culture for a loop. So, it's not surprising that there's tension between Gen Zers and older generations, who are used to certain expectations.
But despite boomers and Gen Xers not liking these changes, Gen Zers have work habits that can actually do some good for everyone. Not only are young people prioritizing their mental health and ensuring their employers treat them well, but they're making it the bare minimum for all workers to thrive.
Gen Z work habits that are actually good for you, but that older generations can't stand
1. Ditching traditional officewear for comfortable clothes
Svitlana Sokolova | Shutterstock
Resentment is impossible to ignore at work, especially when it comes from older people who are used to doing things a certain way. But everything is constantly changing, and as younger generations set boundaries and expectations, they're growing into leadership positions of influence.
Not only does Gen Z largely push back against traditional expectations of officewear like business casual clothing, but they've reimagined what general workwear looks like. They're wearing comfortable clothing that helps to motivate and keep them productive throughout the day.
Their radical and innovative sense of workplace style is driven by one underlying theme: there's more to life than work.
2. Using technology for efficiency and productivity
insta_photos | Shutterstock
While there's specific professions where technology assistance isn't appropriate for use at work, Gen Z is using other strategies for the purpose of productivity. In fact, their use of this kind of technology is improving their efficiency and focus while they're at work.
They stream focus music and use online software to prioritize their projects. They likely also use AI to ask questions and figure out solutions, integrating it into their daily tasks. It may be annoying to older people who don't have the same tech skills, but it's actually helping them get things done.
3. Asking for accommodations
insta_photos | Shutterstock
Asking for help and accommodations to support your comfort at work isn't necessarily a quirk. It's actually a healthy habit that young people have only recently made popular for more demographics. So, it's no wonder that older generations of traditional leaders are frustrated by the additional work it takes to grant these requests.
While personalization should be a given in any healthy working environment, Gen Z is one of the first collective generations to demand it from their companies. They see the importance of employers making their workers feel supported and heard. They're willing to ask for the help they need to work for productively and comfortably.
4. Coffee badging
Bobex-73 | Shutterstock
Coffee badging is a workplace trend where workers clock in and grab coffee, proving their office presence but then going home to work. It has become increasingly popular for young people who are stuck in a rigid, in-person workplace structure.
While there's certainly a limit to how productive and appropriate a trend like this is in practice, the sentiment behind prioritizing work-life balance can be healthy for workers to adopt. Nearly 80% of Gen Z workers want more remote work opportunities, and many are taking the initiative to prove to their job that it's possible.
Making connections at work is important and in-person social interactions are still valuable for teams. But at what point does forcing a 9-to-5 schedule every single day take away from the productivity and happiness of workers?
5. Taking wellness days
Perfect Wave | Shutterstock
Despite 4 out of 10 Gen Z workers admitting they've taken an unplanned day off when they're not actually sick, there's still an ever-present stigma around wellness or mental health days in the workplace. Gen Z promotes their general well-being in a number of ways, so taking a day to recharge and relax can help them to return to work much more productive and happy.
While it may be stigmatized in older generations who have been radicalized by hustle culture and overbearing schedules, taking a break works wonders. It may be subtle, but taking a day off when they need it prevents exhaustion.
6. Taking a quick nap during the day
Inside Creative House | Shutterstock
While many of us are perfectly comfortable taking a lunch break to eat and fuel our bodies during the workday, many young people are making innovative uses of this time. They're taking a quick nap midday to recharge. And despite seeming impossible or inappropriate to older generations, it's done wonders for them.
According to experts from the Mayo Clinic, a quick 20-minute nap during the day not only helps to boost mental clarity and energy levels, but can lead to a better mood and long-term social and cognitive skills. When we're rested and our brains have a chance to turn off, we can return back to our workday feeling more motivated and refreshed.
7. Removing work communication apps from their phone
insta_photos | Shutterstock
While many Gen Zers have worked hard to maintain their workplace success and have tackled many obstacles entering the job market, many prioritize work-life balance above all else. In fact, this generation is more likely than any other to name work-life balance as their top priority at a job.
They actively work to push back against toxic leadership expectations of long hours and forced overtime. They schedule their own time and set unique boundaries that ensure they have the space to enjoy their personal lives.
When they show up to work, they're present and working. But when they leave, they're unplugged. They're not distracted or stressed by the constant anxiety of their work expectations.
8. Only working the hours they're expected to work
insta_photos | Shutterstock
An estimated 26-30% of people in the global workforce are Gen Zers, and it's expected to grow in the next decade. So, they have no incentive to change their attitudes around a work-life balance.
They may still be battling misguided perspectives of their perceived laziness now, but they're simply dismantling the idea that work needs to be your entire identity. Their expectations and boundaries will soon become the new norm, as they continue to grow into leadership roles and start companies of their own.
9. De-prioritizing making friends
insta_photos | Shutterstock
Gen Z workers are protective over their professional boundaries, and many steer clear of forcing friendships with their colleagues. Rather than prioritizing making friendships that extend beyond the walls of their office, they're simply opting out.
From company events to meeting up with peers outside of work, Gen Z is much less inclined to blur the boundaries between social connection at work and beyond. Making connections and bonding with people you see everyday is important, but never to the extent that they become like a family in a toxic way.
10. Always job searching, even when they're happy at work
Dusan Petkovic | Shutterstock
While it might seem counterproductive to keep an active LinkedIn account or apply for jobs when you're perfectly happy in your current role, there are benefits to staying connected to the job market. Outside of simply prepping for an unexpected lay-off or unforeseen financial circumstances, Gen Zers are job searching to stay informed about growth potential and salary expectations.
Already struggling with basic expenses and livable wages, even though older generations can't stand it, this habit is good overall. This trend ensures that workers can advocate for themselves. Even if they interview and turn down another role, they have the experience and context to excel with their current employer.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
