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15 Workplace Habits Gen Z Actually Gets Right (Still Annoyed?)

What older workers can learn from Gen Z's approach to work.

By Summer Nevins

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated Jan. 14, 2026

Gen Z sometimes gets a bad wrap in the workplace, and they may seem worlds apart from your own workplace experiences. But many of the habits they bring to the office actually make a lot of sense. From tech-driven efficiency to flexible scheduling, these younger colleagues are reshaping how work gets done in ways that can boost productivity, reduce burnout, and lower your financial stress.

Let's take a look at some specific Gen Z workplace habits and consider why they can be surprisingly smart strategies worth understanding.

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Prefer frequent feedback over annual reviews

Instead of waiting for annual reviews, Gen Z seeks ongoing feedback to improve. This habit shows humility and commitment to growth. Embracing regular check-ins or constructive critiques can enhance performance for any team member and create stronger collaboration across generations.

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Embrace technology to work faster and smarter

Having grown up with technology their entire life, Gen Z employees are digital natives. They seamlessly use software, apps, and collaboration tools to stay organized and communicate quickly.

While older generations may prefer in-person meetings or phone calls, Gen Z's tech-first approach can actually save time, reduce email clutter, and streamline workflows. Learning even a few of these digital shortcuts can make any team more productive.

Prioritize work-life balance without guilt

Gen Z is often rumored to be "lazy" because they openly value personal time alongside work responsibilities. They schedule breaks, set boundaries, and take steps to avoid burnout. And this approach is likely in response to a broader workplace reality: according to a recent Gallup report, only 34% of workers say they're thriving.

This gap highlights why well-being isn't a nice-to-have perk — it's a necessity for an engaged, productive workforce. Observing how younger workers manage energy and time can inspire healthier routines for all employees.

Advocate for flexible schedules over rigid hours

Remote work and flexible hours are extremely important to Gen Z, who prioritize productivity over strict schedules. Gen Z tends to see more task-oriented roles over the traditional expectation of sitting at your desk nine hours a day.

Studies show flexible arrangements can increase engagement and reduce absenteeism. Understanding the rationale behind flexibility can help older workers embrace modern work structures without compromising accountability.

Constantly learning and upskilling

Gen Z is taught to adapt to the ever-changing world, and this translates into their work style. They often pursue learning on the job, taking online courses, or tutorials to build skills. In fact, a recent Deloitte survey found that 70% of Gen Z develop their skills weekly. They often view education as ongoing rather than a one-time credential, which encourages adaptability and innovation, helping organizations stay competitive.

Adopting a lifelong learning mindset, even for older workers, can enhance career longevity and confidence.

Expect clear and transparent communication (especially from management)

Gen Z tends to favor honesty and clarity in communication, whether giving feedback or explaining tasks. This directness can reduce misunderstandings and promote accountability.

Older employees, and even the neighboring millennial generation, can benefit from appreciating straightforward conversations, which often speed up decision-making and foster a more open workplace culture.

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Leverage social media for work

From LinkedIn to even Instagram and X, Gen Z often uses social platforms for networking, industry updates, and company branding. While some may see this as a distraction, these habits can boost professional connections and marketing efforts.

Older workers can learn how to use digital networking effectively without spending excessive time online.

Favor collaboration over working independently

Many Gen Z employees prefer to work collaboratively rather than independently in closed-door settings. They're comfortable sharing ideas early, brainstorming as a group, and building solutions together instead of guarding information. This approach often leads to stronger ideas, fewer mistakes, and better relationships across teams.

Even experienced professionals can benefit by embracing open dialogue, cross-department conversations, and a willingness to learn from different perspectives.

Seek purpose-driven work, not just a paycheck

Gen Z tends to prefer aligning work with their personal values and therefore prioritizes jobs with clear meaning or societal impact. They're motivated by purpose, not just paychecks. According to the same Deloitte survey, when evaluating a new employer, more than half of Gen Z respondents reported that meaningful work is very important to them.

Recognizing this can help older employees reframe their own work values, finding ways to focus on contributions that matter beyond routine tasks.

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Consistently experiment with productivity hacks

From time-blocking to task apps and automation, Gen Z experiments with strategies to maximize efficiency. Trying new methods, even on a small scale, can help all employees identify better ways to manage time, reduce distractions, and improve output without adding stress.

Embrace diversity and inclusion

Diversity isn't just a buzzword for Gen Z; they actively seek inclusive environments. They notice biases and speak up respectfully. Older workers can learn the value of open-mindedness, cultivating a workplace culture that welcomes different perspectives and experiences.

Prioritize mental health without apology

Gen Z openly discusses stress, anxiety, and work pressure, promoting wellness programs or self-care routines in the workplace. They often take mental health days, too. Reducing stigma benefits everyone and encourages healthier workplaces.

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Multitask stratgeically

While Gen Z can juggle multiple projects, they also know when to focus and avoid distractions. They use apps and reminders to efficiently track priorities. Observing these habits can help older employees organize workloads more effectively, without feeling overwhelmed.

Network early and often

Gen Z actively builds professional networks from day one, attending events or reaching out online. This proactive approach creates opportunities for mentorship and career growth. Older workers can benefit by mentoring younger colleagues while learning new networking strategies themselves.

Utilize technology to monitor progress

From performance apps to peer reviews, Gen Z integrates tech to monitor progress. This data-driven approach allows faster adjustments and growth. Older generations can adopt similar tools to track productivity, set goals, and collaborate more effectively with younger coworkers.

Bottom line

Gen Z's workplace habits may look different from traditional norms, but many are rooted in efficiency, collaboration, and long-term sustainability. Taken together, these approaches reflect a shift toward working smarter, communicating more openly, and preventing burnout rather than simply putting in longer hours — changes that can also help eliminate some money stress by supporting steadier performance, healthier careers, and better long-term stability.

One lesser-known fact is that Gen Z is on track to make up roughly a quarter of the global workforce by the end of 2030, meaning their habits will increasingly shape how offices operate. Understanding what drives these behaviors can help older workers adapt more easily, collaborate across generations, and decide which changes are worth embracing in their own work lives.

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Author Details

Summer Nevins

Summer is a financial services professional turned personal finance writer for FinanceBuzz with an MBA from Western Kentucky University. With over a decade of experience in banking and corporate finance, she’s a self-proclaimed banking nerd who loves diving into all things banking, budgeting, and credit building. Summer also enjoys discussing business and entrepreneurship, sharing practical insights drawn from her background in finance.