As workplaces continue to adapt post-pandemic, the dynamic between generations in the office has never been more significant. While multi-generational teams bring diverse perspectives, the youngest entrants to the workforce, Gen Z, are redefining workplace culture with a blend of digital savvy, creativity, and nostalgia for tradition.
A new survey explores how Gen Z professionals — people born between the 1990s and early 2010 and the first generation to grow up with the internet and smartphones — working in offices at least three days a week are navigating and influencing the evolving corporate environment. The findings offer a glimpse into how this tech-native generation is blending their digital-first mindset with a respect for traditional office practices.
Generational Jargon and Language Gaps
One of the most striking findings of the Standley Systems 2024 Office Culture Report relates to communication challenges. Despite their reputation for digital fluency, Gen Z workers often struggle to decode workplace jargon from older colleagues. According to the survey, 68% of Gen Z employees look up terms or phrases from coworkers at least weekly, with 36% doing so daily.
But this doesn’t mean they shy away from contributing to office lingo — phrases like “vibing,” “cap,” and “the math is not mathing” are just some of the expressions Gen Z has brought into workplace conversations. Others include:
- “the tea” (gossip or juicy information)
- “W” (a win or success)
- “shook” (surprised or shocked)
- “slay” (to do something exceptionally well or impressively)
- “sus” (suspicious or sketchy)
- “in my ___ era” (focused on a particular mindset or phase, e.g., “in my productivity era”)
- “rizz” (charisma or charm, often used in the context of flirting)
Rather than creating barriers, these differences in language often lead to collaboration and understanding. Almost half of the respondents (44%) noted that working across generations can sometimes be challenging but often results in better, more well-rounded decisions.
Unexpected Friendships: Gen Z and Baby Boomers
Surprisingly, Gen Z workers reported feeling less friction with Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) than with their own generational peers. While 64% of Gen Z respondents said they experience more clashes with fellow Gen Z colleagues, they found common ground with older generations, particularly Boomers, due to shared values like a respect for face-to-face communication and clear career structures.
“Gen Z thrives online, but they’re eager to leave their mark in real life, including the corporate office,” said Greg Elliott, CEO of Standley Systems, a workplace solutions company. “Gen Z values individualisation, collaboration and significance, and they’re looking for work cultures that protect the human connection and give a nod to tradition — but with a modern twist.”
The Influence of Social Media on Workspaces
Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have emerged as key influences in shaping how Gen Z approaches their office life. A staggering 76% of Gen Z employees said they’ve created content that romanticises their office life, with many personalising their workspaces to align with aesthetic trends they’ve discovered online. Nearly a quarter (24%) even identified setting up their desks as a highlight of their first day in the office.
The focus on aesthetics extends beyond décor. Many have adjusted their clothing choices or adopted mindfulness techniques based on ideas encountered online. As a result, social media has become not just a source of inspiration but also a tool for modernising office culture in subtle but impactful ways.
While deeply connected to their digital lives, Gen Z employees show a surprising appreciation for traditional office elements. Over half of the survey participants (54%) value in-person meetings, and 40% prefer a blend of digital tools and traditional elements like printed documents and physical file storage. This blend of old and new highlights Gen Z’s desire for a workplace that fosters both connection and efficiency.
A total of 59% of respondents described printers and copiers as the “heartbeat of the office”, with many associating them with a sense of nostalgia. It seems that even in a tech-driven world, Gen Z sees the charm and importance of these legacy tools in the workplace.
Lessons for Employers
As more companies enforce return-to-office mandates, understanding Gen Z’s preferences and values is crucial. This generation brings a unique perspective, blending resilience, independence and innovation with a willingness to respect and learn from older colleagues.
“Leadership should welcome Gen Z’s entrance into the office and use it as an opportunity to create an environment and culture that not just prepares them to be the leaders of tomorrow but allows them to help shape the present,” added Elliott. “When we interact and learn from each generation’s experiences and language, our impact only grows.”
For employers, the challenge is clear: foster an environment where multi-generational teams can thrive, blending the best of tradition and innovation. For Gen Z, the future of work is not just about productivity but creating a workplace culture that feels both meaningful and connected.
