The way we communicate at work is changing fast. And if you’ve noticed a shift in tone, formality, or even vocabulary in your workplace, you’re not imagining it. A recent Barclays Life Skills study found that 71% of UK professionals believe Generation Z is reshaping workplace language.
Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is the newest generation to enter the workforce in significant numbers. They’re bringing fresh perspectives not just on how we work, but also on how we communicate. From relaxed email closings to emoji-laden instant messages, Gen Z is setting new norms for professional communication.
The Decline of Formal Workplace Language
Traditional sign-offs like “Yours sincerely” or “To whom it may concern” are on their way out. In fact, 37% of professionals now consider such phrases outdated. More workers are gravitating toward casual alternatives like “Thanks!” or “Thanks so much,” which 46% and 50% of respondents, respectively, say feel friendly and modern.
Phrases like “Hiya” spark mixed reactions. While 42% of workers say it comes across as approachable, others feel it’s overly casual or too familiar. But the tide is turning. As more Gen Z workers enter the labour market, formal language is naturally being replaced by styles that feel more authentic and relatable to them.
The study predicts that several traditional workplace phrases may vanish altogether in the next decade, including:
- Yours Truly
- Yours Sincerely
- To Whom It May Concern
- With Compliments
- Respects
Messaging Apps Are Driving a More Casual Tone
The rise of remote and hybrid work models, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic, has propelled messaging apps like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and even WhatsApp into everyday professional use. These platforms support quick, informal interactions often peppered with emojis, abbreviations, and GIFs.
This format naturally encourages a more relaxed communication style, and Gen Z employees have embraced it. Four in ten Gen Z workers say that email limits their ability to express their personality, compared to just 15% of their over-55 colleagues. Meanwhile, 54% of workers aged 55+ still prefer email for its professionalism.
Unsurprisingly, Gen Z are nearly twice as likely to use instant messaging at work. And this digital-first, expressive communication style is becoming the new normal.
Social Media’s Role in Shaping Language
Social media platforms especially TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat are deeply influencing how Gen Z communicates. With over a third of Gen Z spending more than four hours a day on social media, their conversational style is shaped by short-form content, trending slang, and meme culture.
Although 83% of UK workers use social media, the generational gap is clear. Workers aged 55 and over are more likely to view social media as a major factor in shifting language at work (39%) compared to their Gen Z counterparts (24%). This could be because older professionals can more easily spot changes from outside the ecosystem, while younger ones are immersed in it.
Balancing Friendly and Professional Communication
While Gen Z is leading the shift toward informality, this trend is influencing all generations. About 73% of UK professionals say their communication style has become more casual in recent years.
Still, maintaining professionalism is essential especially in situations involving senior stakeholders, new clients, or formal documentation. A warm, friendly tone can build rapport and trust, but striking the right balance is key. Overfamiliarity in the wrong context can undermine credibility.
The takeaway? Let’s embrace the evolving language of the workplace while keeping communication appropriate to each audience and situation.
Final Thoughts
As workplace communication continues to evolve, understanding generational preferences is crucial. Gen Z’s influence is reshaping how we write, speak, and connect at work sometimes challenging long-held norms but also creating space for more authentic, inclusive conversations.
If your business is aiming to attract and retain a multigenerational workforce, staying ahead of communication trends is vital. Explore what today’s professionals expect from a workplace in our upcoming insights or browse our latest job opportunities tailored to modern talent expectations.