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Gen Z employees redefining professionalism? Viral no-nonsense leave note sparks debate on workplace culture

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Gen Z employees certainly don’t beat around the bush when it comes to asking for leave! A snapshot of an email from a Gen Z employee notifying their supervisor about an upcoming leave has gained significant attention online, fueling a discussion on social media about changing workplace communication styles across generational lines.

Posted on X by investor Siddharth Shah, the email’s blunt, straightforward tone contrasts with customary leave request practices. It has led to debates on whether employees should request leave permission or merely inform their managers and how to strike a balance between independence and professionalism.

The screenshot, which has taken X by storm, is prompt and precise. It reads, “Hi Siddharth. I will be on leave on 8th November. Bye!”.

Netizens React

Shah’s post gained over 2.5 million views and 28K likes on X. While some praised the employee’s direct and matter-of-fact approach to seeking a leave, some were put off by his blunt tone. “And if I had sent this message to my manager, he would have scheduled a meeting with HR to discuss my behaviour issues,” wrote one X user. One employer shared another hilarious anecdote: “One of my Gen Z team members suddenly declared 1 week of leave. It was a critical time of the project, so I tried to reason. He did not budge. The leave was because he had a breakup and he wanted to go to the mountains to forget the breakup.”


Another X user gleefully wrote, “Why should I get my leave "approved?" lol It's my leave; I'll take it. One more comment read, “I have full faith, GenZ kids will save us from the generational cycle of oppressive work culture!”

Work-Life Balance Over Everything Else

A report titled ‘Gen Z At Workplace’ revealed that work-life balance is cherished by more than 47 per cent of Gen Z job seekers. The report was generated by Unstop, a renowned talent management agency. he report further explored topics like the primary motivations driving Gen Z to change jobs, their main concerns when stepping into the job market, their expectations regarding mental health support, and their distinct work style, which contrasts with traditional, uniform approaches.

“For the youngest members of today’s workforce, work is more than just a place to show up for a steady paycheck; it needs to align seamlessly with various important aspects of their lives,” remarked Ankit Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Unstop.

"They (Gen Z) are reminding us that work should be a part of life, and not the other way around... It's a call to action for employers and recruiters. Those employers who adapt to these fast-changing expectations will be preferred by the new generation of employees," he explained.

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