The office, as a concept, is having a moment. After years of remote work and Zoom fatigue, employees are trickling back into cubicles and open-floor plans with varying degrees of enthusiasm. But for Gen Z—the TikTok-savvy, vibe-conscious cohort that grew up online—returning to the office isn’t just a necessity. It’s a cultural reset.
This isn’t the office of Mad Men or even the sleek, minimalist workplaces Millennials made their stomping grounds. No, Gen Z’s office is curated, personalized, and, surprisingly, romanticized. Armed with social media trends and a flair for aesthetic transformation, this generation is injecting personality into every corner of the workplace—and shaking up office culture along the way.
The Jargon War
Imagine being 22, in your first real office job, and hearing your boss say, “Let’s take this offline.” Offline? Isn’t everything offline already? This kind of confusion is a daily reality for Gen Z workers, who find themselves in a crash course on corporate lingo.
According to Standley Systems’ 2024 Office Culture Report, 68% of Gen Zers admit to Googling office jargon from older colleagues weekly. For some, it’s a daily occurrence. But instead of being discouraged, Gen Z is rolling with it—and bringing their own flavor to the workplace vocabulary.
Terms like “vibing,” “no cap,” and “slay” are cropping up in conversations next to “synergy” and “actionable insights.” The result? A workplace lexicon that feels as eclectic and multi-generational as the workforce itself.
“It’s like a language exchange program,” one survey respondent quipped. “We’re all learning from each other—sometimes with a quick Google search.”
Boomers Are the New Office Besties
Conventional wisdom says Boomers and Zoomers should be clashing left and right. But here’s the twist: Gen Z feels far more friction with their own peers. In fact, 64% of respondents say they’re more likely to butt heads with fellow Gen Z coworkers than with older generations.
And Boomers? They’re coming out as the unlikely fan favorites. Maybe it’s Gen Z’s respect for nostalgia, or maybe it’s a shared disdain for too many Slack messages. Either way, this intergenerational harmony is helping bridge gaps in the workplace.
“It’s not about rejecting what came before,” said Greg Elliott, CEO of Standley Systems. “Gen Z thrives on collaboration, and they see value in traditions—just with their own spin.”
This dynamic extends to problem-solving, too. Most Gen Zers surveyed agree that working across generations leads to better, more creative solutions. It’s not without its challenges, but that tension often sparks innovation.
TikTok’s Influence: The Office Glow-Up
If you think TikTok is just for dance challenges, think again. For Gen Z, it’s also a workplace guide. From desk setups to wardrobe tips, social media is shaping how this generation approaches office life.
Nearly 43% of Gen Z workers have revamped their workspace aesthetic because of social media. Think coordinated desk accessories, soft lighting, and maybe even a plant or two. Meanwhile, 32% have turned their daily grind into content, romanticizing office life through Instagram reels and TikTok vlogs.
“It’s about making the workplace feel more you,” said one respondent. “If I’m going to spend hours here, I want it to reflect my personality.”
And while the aesthetics may get the spotlight, social media’s impact goes deeper. 44% of respondents said they’ve tried stress-management techniques they found online, and others have picked up professional habits or communication tips from their feeds.
The Printer Renaissance
Here’s a plot twist for the post-digital age: printers and copiers are having a moment. While Millennials may have eyed them with mild disdain, Gen Z sees these analog tools through a different lens.
59% of respondents call printers and copiers the ‘heartbeat of the office,’ blending nostalgia with practicality. For a generation that values both efficiency and aesthetic charm, these tools are more than functional—they’re iconic.
“It’s not just about the tech,” Elliott explained. “It’s about the tactile experience and what it represents. Gen Z loves the idea of blending the old and new in a seamless way.”
What Gen Z Wants (and What It Means for Leaders)
Despite their reputation as digital natives, Gen Z isn’t pushing to tear down the office norms of the past. Instead, they’re looking to evolve them. They value traditions like in-person meetings, structured career paths, and even printed agendas—but they want them paired with individuality and modern sensibilities.
For leaders, this presents an opportunity. “Gen Z is ready to contribute,” Elliott said. “The challenge is creating a workplace that honors their individuality while fostering connection and collaboration.”
From desk setups inspired by Pinterest boards to cross-generational camaraderie, Gen Z is reshaping office life—and maybe even making it better. Whether you’re vibing with them or Googling their slang, one thing is clear: the future of work is in good hands.