This story originally appeared on Business Insider.
As more Gen Zers enter the workforce, their habits and preferences are pointing towards a potential clash in office culture between generations.
Gen Zers are distinct from other generations in the workplace, making office language less formal and prioritizing self-care and happiness over traditional success-chasing. Many are redefining the “career ladder” by embracing non-managerial roles and opting for more flexible career progression.
One significant change they are pushing for is the shift from formal and often problematic email communication to more informal platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams.
A survey by Slack and OnePoll revealed that many workers have faced issues with emails, including unanswered questions, misaddressed messages, and redundant queries. This has led to a growing preference for shorter, more efficient forms of communication.
Moreover, organizations relying solely on email communication may create a negative impression on employees, with many believing that it shows a lack of technological advancement within the company.
Amidst this shift, instant messaging platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams have gained popularity, especially during the pandemic, offering faster and more convenient communication for remote workers.
Some organizations are even embracing informal messaging platforms like Discord, blurring the lines between work and play.
The rise of informal communication
The move towards more informal communication channels is welcomed by many Gen Zers who find the expectation of formality in the workplace challenging. This generation is known for rebelling against formal work culture and challenging traditional norms.
However, many managers and business leaders find working with Gen Zers to be challenging, as they question and challenge established work practices and norms.
According to Business Insider’s Tim Paradis, Gen Z is driving a workplace reckoning by questioning the relevance of traditional work practices. The gradual decline of emails is just one small step in their broader strategy to reshape office culture.