"A generational rift in the workplace: Gen Z reportedly step away from the office email, igniting a dispute"
In the realm of corporate communication, a unique and candid email written by a Gen Z intern at an AI startup has stirred up quite a storm. The email, which has gone viral on Reddit, has ignited a debate about how Gen Z is reshaping professional norms and the evolving nature of corporate etiquette.
The email, penned by a Gen Z intern, was not traditional in the context of professional emails. In it, the intern expressed their feelings of being overwhelmed with work and their energy being off, requesting a leave from the 28th to the 30th of July. The email was shared on Reddit and has been linked to a viral TikTok trend where Gen Z individuals share their struggles in the job hunt.
The Redditor who shared the post leads a group of three Gen Z interns at the same AI startup. Interestingly, at some workplaces, employees can take time off without providing reasons, as indicated by one comment. In this case, the Redditor approved the intern's leave request after they expressed their frustration with their workload.
The Gen Z intern's email has been seen as a symbol of resistance against traditional corporate hustle culture. Some people on the other hand found the email iconic and suggested adopting similar honesty in professional communication. However, many people reacted negatively to the email, finding it unprofessional.
Despite the controversy, the email serves as a reminder of the evolving professional landscape. Gen Z, known for their selective and intense use of email, favours direct, interpersonal communication methods for significant exchanges. They exhibit strong communication skills, adapting their style to blend digital and personal contact effectively in professional settings.
This shift means corporate communication norms are evolving, requiring companies to integrate more immediate and authentic communication styles alongside traditional email, to engage and collaborate effectively with Gen Z employees and clients. Companies must not discount email but instead optimise it for Gen Z’s preferences: short, benefit-focused emails with clear calls to action, creating community and urgency without overloading with content.
Moreover, Gen Z values authenticity and transparency, expecting companies to demonstrate social responsibility and align with their values. This influences how professional communications and marketing are framed. The debate about the Gen Z intern's email has sparked a broader discussion about professional norms and honesty in the workplace.
In summary, the Gen Z intern's email, while not traditional, challenges traditional professional email etiquette by combining high email responsiveness with a preference for more immediate, authentic communication channels. Organisations ready to adapt to these norms by blending efficient email use with direct interpersonal engagement and aligning messaging with Gen Z values will be better positioned to engage this generation effectively in the workplace and marketplace.
The Gen Z intern's candid email, a viral sensation, mirrors the intern's preference for fashion-and-beauty-like honesty in professional communication, as seen in the viral TikTok trend of Gen Z individuals expressing struggles in the job hunt. This trend, combined with their inclination to prioritize digital technology and relationships, symbolizes a shift in corporate etiquette, pushing corporations to redefine their lifestyle approach to engaging with Gen Z employees and clients.
