Why Gen Z is struggling with office small talk? Study explained

While all generations to date have witnessed some drastic changes, Gen Z is the one that is mostly discussed. Gen Z is said to have a different outlook on daily life, and these behaviors are widely experienced in the workplace. Recently, a study revealed that young employees are struggling with office small talk.

Small talk at the office refers to a small and casual conversation between two people who barely know each other. While offices are filled with employees who might not know each other very well, there are commonly used spots where they might run into one another. During such situations, young workers struggle to talk to others, even for a short span of time.

A survey that took a poll of 2,000 employees revealed that 74% of them find it hard to have short-span conversations with their colleagues in elevators and kitchens. About 48% admitted using applications to communicate with co-workers even if they are sitting near them.

Overall, about 27% of employees confirmed that they are more comfortable with communicating online.

However, this is the case mostly among Gen Z employees. Per the survey, about 40% of younger workers feel this way compared to 33% of Millennials. And only about 24% of Gen X feel the same.

As this is the new era of flexible working with many employees working remotely, 40% of young employees called workplace small talk is like learning a new language.

The survey further revealed that 28% of the employees avoid walking into the office kitchen to avoid running into colleagues and making conversation. However, 13% do step inside the kitchen but quickly put their food for heating and leave while it is still in the microwave to avoid the chit-chat.

---

Why is it allegedly good for Gen Z employees to interact with their colleagues?

Anna Baheshti, from Tilda, a platform that helps improve communication skills, is trying to encourage Gen Z employees to have "micro chats." Baheshti mentioned that due to the hybrid model of companies, employees do not get a chance to have enough social interactions.

She added that these small exchanges on a daily basis are the "micro-moments of connection – that help build confidence and relationships."

"These moments aren’t just good for workplace culture; they’re beneficial for our wellbeing too."

"That’s why we want to encourage everyone to rediscover these office ‘water cooler’ moments and start reconnecting in 2025," she added.

About 51% of the employees suggested that small talk helps people with their communication skills. Moreover, it will allegedly make the workforce happier and better.