Older workers are finding out habits that annoy their newer colleagues as younger workers join American offices.
Gen Z, also known as Zoomers, were born from 1997 to the present day and are the latest generation to join the workforce. Given the significant physical and philosophical differences between Zoomers and Boomers, tension in the workplace is very much understandable.
As per a survey by news.com.au. Gen Zers identified certain behaviors of Baby Boomers that bothered them, such as using the "reply all" button excessively in emails, making unnecessary phone calls, and asking tech questions that could be answered through a simple Google search. Other Gen Z workers were frustrated by Boomers using old-fashioned language, wasting paper, insisting on working in the office, and arranging formal meetings they believed were unnecessary.
Baby Boomers Making Unnecessary Phone Calls
Rebecca, a respondent who did not provide her last name, shared that she prefers not to answer phone calls from Boomers, criticizing the rationale of their laziness because it is "easier to explain over the phone," but leaves no paper trail, which could later backfire when things go wrong.
Some Gen Zers viewed Boomers as "power hungry," with Rebecca describing their "obsession" with job titles and hierarchy as "embarrassing." In a Fox News Channel's "Outnumbered" segment, Co-host Emily Compagno remarked that some Gen Zers might not fully grasp the value of verbal communication, noting that face-to-face explanation is quicker and more effective than typing it out. If you call someone and they do not answer, just send a text instead of leaving a voicemail message.
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Using "Reply to All" Etiquette
Co-host Kayleigh McEnany, who identified herself as a millennial, supported Gen Z's frustration with people who "reply all" to emails, advising them to reply only to the person they want to respond to.
Boomers use the reply-all button too freely. Younger people prefer a more personal approach to work and do not want their business shared with the entire company.
Significant Friction Between Gen Zers and Boomers
Cheryl Casone from Fox News noted some office etiquette concerns regarding the "reply all" debate. Companies are encountering significant friction with various generations now in the workplace, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, who could face a "wake-up call" regarding the current economic landscape.
McEnany disagreed, mentioning that millennials faced challenges during economic downturns like the Great Recession of 2008. Despite this, they still encountered criticism from older generations to move out of their parents' basements. She expressed that Gen Z is creative, spirited, and lively. While there may be some lazy individuals, there are also many talented ones.
A Gen Zer's POV
Kaylee McGhee, a Gen Z guest and editor from the Washington Examiner, acknowledged her generation's significant entitlement issue, expressing appreciation for some of the initiatives Gen Z has promoted, particularly in response to the pandemic. She praised remote work and flexible hours as beneficial. Still, she noted that many in Gen Z expect high salaries immediately after college, prefer remote work over office environments, and dislike in-person communication, which is essential for a healthy work environment. McGhee suggested that although this causes generation friction, it will resolve independently over time.
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