'Out With The Old': How Gen Z Has Changed How We Speak, Use Emails Sign-offs At Work

Employees say Generation Z workers are responsible, and workplace cultures have become more relaxed in the last five years.?71% of workers believe the younger generation is changing the formality of language in the workplace. Here's what one study found.

How has Gen Z changed how we communicate at work?

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According to a new poll from Barclays LifeSkills, a Barclays Bank project, 71% of workers in the United Kingdom believe the younger generation is changing the formality of language in the workplace.?

The survey, which was released on Tuesday, September 12, revealed that formal words and sign-offs such as "Yours truly," "Yours sincerely," and "To whom it may concern" may become obsolete in the workplace over the next ten years.

While "Ta!" has become a common sign-off, 29% of workers find it a little too familiar. The term "Hiya!" has a similarly divided opinion, with 42% believing it's nice, 36% thinking it's casual, and 26% thinking it's too familiar.?

How did this shift from formal language to casual lingo happen?

Perhaps one reason for the shift in workplace communication is the widespread use of online messaging apps in offices, especially when organizations offer their employees the chance to work remotely.?Apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and?Google?Chat give users more ways to express themselves and communicate their uniqueness through emoticons and GIFs.

Gen Z is nearly twice as likely as older generations to use these instant messaging services at work, compared to 54% of professionals aged 55 and up, who prefer email since it is regarded as more professional.?

However, 40% of Generation Z say that email inhibits their freedom to express themselves."Our research shows that the next generation will clearly make their mark on the workforce in terms of how we communicate," said Kirstie Mackey, director of the Barclays LifeSkills initiative.?

"While the shift to more personable language is a positive one, it is critical to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which differs from school or university.?Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key," she said.?

There's no doubt that Gen Z has already begun to have an impact on the workplace, from increased demands for salary transparency to more informal office attire.?

A recent?poll?found that it can take up to two weeks for young adults to feel confident in a new job. The survey of 1,000 18 to 25-year-olds also discovered that Gen Z workers spend eight days before starting their new job worrying about not fitting in with the team or not knowing what to do in their position.

When starting a new job or apprenticeship, many young workers look to social media for advice, with TikTok being the most helpful.?

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