A significant new study has exposed a stark generational divide in British offices, with close to half of all young workers reporting negative stereotyping from their older colleagues simply for being part of Generation Z.
The Clash of Workplace Cultures
The research, commissioned by the learning platform Kahoot, surveyed 2,000 UK office workers aged between 21 and 25. All participants were recent university graduates and new to a corporate environment. It found that a striking 44 per cent of Gen Z employees – those born between 1997 and 2012 – have experienced criticism from older co-workers specifically linked to stereotypes about their generation.
This criticism took many forms. Young workers reported being labelled as 'too passionate' or outspoken, criticised for using informal language, slang, or humour, and even judged for setting what they see as 'healthy boundaries' at work. Their appearance also frequently came under scrutiny from more established colleagues.
Impact on Wellbeing and Retention
The toll of this negative stereotyping is severe. The survey data indicates that 47 per cent of these young workers have been brought to tears by workplace stress. Furthermore, 39 per cent seriously considered quitting their job within their first year, highlighting a critical retention issue for employers.
Jon Neale, Growth Director at Kahoot, interpreted the findings. 'The research makes it clear that Gen Z's entry into the workplace is colliding with entrenched workplace cultures that often don't fit their expectations or strengths,' he said. 'They're eager to contribute yet can't seem to win.'
Neale added that while older colleagues sometimes resist change, Gen Z staff are often the ones bridging skills gaps, such as by teaching managers basic technology skills. He warned that the cost of inaction for businesses would be high, affecting not just staff retention but also innovation and competitiveness.
A Wider Culture of Uncertainty and Anxiety
The Kahoot study is part of a broader picture of Gen Z anxiety in professional settings. It follows separate research revealing that almost 70 per cent of Gen Z individuals starting work do not want to go into the office. A survey by Trinity College London found more than two-thirds were 'terrified' to set foot in an office, preferring remote work.
Their top fears included:
- Having to make small talk.
- The anxiety of picking up the phone.
- Interacting with new people, a concern for 42%.
Interestingly, despite fears about AI making roles redundant, only 22 per cent of young workers worried about being replaced by artificial intelligence. They were far more concerned about interpersonal dynamics, with 60 per cent stating they would struggle to work with older people and over half finding traditional office banter 'inappropriate and offensive'.
The survey also highlighted a desire for inclusion, with nearly a quarter of Gen Z workers feeling their opinions were not taken seriously. Many believed that having more opportunities to share perspectives and be included in decision-making would foster a stronger sense of belonging.
This generational shift in experience is further underscored by cultural divides. Separate research showed 74 per cent of young Brits had never heard of dial-up internet sounds, and nearly two-thirds were unfamiliar with the Yellow Pages directory, illustrating how rapidly the frame of reference is changing.
