12 Things Gen Z Wishes Their Older Coworkers Would Stop Doing

12 Things Gen Z Wishes Their Older Coworkers Would Stop Doing

Workplaces have always been a mix of generations trying to coexist—and sometimes, that’s exactly where the sparks fly. Gen Z entered the workforce with fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a clear idea of what they want out of a job. But working alongside older coworkers has also meant navigating habits and attitudes that feel, well… a little outdated.

1. Bragging About “Paying Their Dues”

Nothing kills motivation faster than hearing, “Well, when I was your age, I had to…” Gen Z isn’t impressed by tales of 80-hour workweeks or unpaid internships—they’re more focused on finding smarter, more efficient ways to get results without sacrificing sanity.

Older generations often wear their struggles like badges of honor, but to Gen Z, that mindset feels outdated. Success doesn’t have to come from suffering; it can come from balance, innovation, and self-respect.

Instead of glorifying burnout, Gen Z wishes coworkers would share what they learned from those experiences—like how to set boundaries or advocate for fair pay. The point isn’t that hard work doesn’t matter—it’s that overwork shouldn’t be the only way to prove yourself.

2. Calling Every App “TikTok”

There’s a world beyond TikTok—and yes, Gen Z knows how to use all of it. Older coworkers sometimes lump every modern platform under one label, as if TikTok is the source of all things digital. But Gen Z thrives in a world of niche apps, online communities, and ever-evolving tech tools.

This habit isn’t just funny—it can be frustrating when younger employees are trying to share new, efficient tools and get brushed off as “the social media crowd.”

What Gen Z really wants is openness to learning. You don’t need to know every trend or meme; just show curiosity. After all, the digital world changes fast, and there’s no shame in asking for a quick tutorial. It beats pretending that Slack and TikTok are the same thing.

3. Expecting Everyone to Love Office Small Talk

Not everyone thrives on morning chatter about the weather or weekend plans. For many Gen Z workers, small talk feels forced and energy-draining, especially before coffee. They’d rather skip to meaningful conversation or quietly dive into their tasks.

Older coworkers sometimes see this as being antisocial, but it’s really about energy management. Gen Z values authenticity and prefers interactions that feel genuine, not obligatory.

They’re not asking for silent offices—just a little space to engage on their own terms. Respecting personal communication styles can create a workplace where everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re chatty or chill.

4. Using Outdated Slang to Seem ‘Relatable’

There’s nothing that makes Gen Z cringe faster than hearing someone say “YOLO” or “on fleek” unironically. Older coworkers often use these throwback phrases in an attempt to connect—but it usually backfires.

Gen Z doesn’t expect their colleagues to speak their language; they just appreciate authenticity. Nothing’s cooler than being yourself, no matter what generation you belong to.

Instead of trying to keep up with every new phrase, it’s better to lean into your strengths—like mentorship, perspective, or experience. Being genuine is always “in.”

5. Guilt-Tripping Them for Using PTO

It’s not laziness—it’s balance. Gen Z takes their paid time off seriously, viewing rest as essential for creativity and long-term productivity. But some older coworkers still act like taking a full week off is a sign of weakness.

That guilt-driven mentality can create unnecessary tension. Gen Z doesn’t want to feel like they have to “earn” the right to rest; they simply understand that burnout helps no one.

Encouraging time off helps everyone, regardless of generation. A rested worker is a better worker—and Gen Z is leading the charge in normalizing that truth.

6. Sending After-Hours Emails and Expecting Immediate Replies

The phrase “work-life balance” means something real to Gen Z. They’re not ignoring your 10 p.m. email because they’re lazy—they’re protecting their mental health.

Older coworkers often grew up in a culture where being “always on” was a badge of dedication. But Gen Z sees constant availability as a fast track to burnout, not success.

Respecting boundaries doesn’t mean ignoring responsibility—it means recognizing that everyone works best when they have time to recharge. The world won’t end if that email waits until morning.

7. Dismissing Mental Health Days as “Excuses”

It’s not about being “too sensitive.” Gen Z understands that mental health impacts productivity just as much as physical health does. Taking a day to decompress isn’t indulgent—it’s preventive.

Some older coworkers see this as a lack of toughness, but that’s a misunderstanding. Gen Z isn’t avoiding work; they’re trying to show up as their best selves when they do work.

When companies normalize mental health care, everyone benefits. Burnout decreases, creativity rises, and empathy becomes part of the culture.

8. Oversharing About Office Politics

Nothing drags down a meeting like hearing about who got passed over for a promotion in 2018. Gen Z doesn’t want to be pulled into workplace gossip—they’re focused on building their careers, not navigating old grudges.

Office politics might have once been a “necessary evil,” but Gen Z prefers transparency and merit over drama. They want to work in environments where success is earned, not whispered about.

Keeping conversations professional doesn’t mean being cold—it means valuing time, focus, and mutual respect. Gossip doesn’t build trust; results do.

9. Refusing to Embrace Remote Work Tools

Technology is supposed to make work easier, but resistance from older coworkers can make it harder. Gen Z grew up collaborating online, so when someone insists on printing everything or scheduling unnecessary in-person meetings, it feels inefficient.

They’re not trying to eliminate human connection—they just want to use modern tools that streamline it. Zoom, Slack, and Notion aren’t “fads”; they’re essentials for hybrid work.

Adapting to new tech doesn’t erase old-school wisdom—it amplifies it. The best teams combine experience with innovation.

10. Criticizing “Job-Hopping”

To Gen Z, switching jobs isn’t disloyal—it’s strategic. They’ve watched older generations stay in unfulfilling roles for years, and they’re not repeating that mistake.

Loyalty still matters, but so does growth. If a company doesn’t invest in development or respect boundaries, Gen Z will move on—and that’s not a bad thing.

Older coworkers can help by mentoring rather than judging. Instead of labeling job changes as flaky, view them as ambitious moves in a fast-changing market.

11. Turning Every Conversation Into a “Back in My Day” Story

Experience is valuable, but when every discussion turns into a trip down memory lane, Gen Z tunes out fast. They respect history—but they’re focused on the future.

Reminiscing can sometimes feel like dismissing, especially when new ideas get shut down with “We tried that once.” Gen Z thrives in workplaces that value innovation, not nostalgia.

Sharing lessons learned is great—just keep it relevant. Inspiration goes a lot further than comparison.

12. Assuming They’re ‘Entitled’ Just for Setting Boundaries

Wanting fair pay and respect isn’t entitlement—it’s self-awareness. Gen Z is redefining professionalism by prioritizing mental health, balance, and realistic workloads.

Older coworkers sometimes mistake this for laziness or arrogance, but it’s actually confidence. They know what they bring to the table and aren’t afraid to ask for fair treatment.

Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re healthy frameworks that make collaboration more sustainable for everyone. When generations respect each other’s limits, the whole workplace thrives.