What are the preferred workplace conversation topics for Generation Z?

Generation Z (born from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s) feels uncomfortable with personal questions in conversations with their superiors at work.

In particular, it has been shown that they prefer work-related discussions over topics such as romantic relationships or family during lunch or meal times.

On the 1st, the recruitment platform Jin Haksa Catch conducted a survey among 1,733 recent job seekers of Generation Z regarding the "most unwanted situations during meals with superiors."

According to the results, 69% of respondents felt "burdened" when their superiors asked about personal stories like relationships or family. In contrast, only 18% responded that it was "fine," while 13% were uncertain.

Feeling "burdened" when asked personal questions

Differences in communication styles across generations in the workplace

The type of question that Generation Z finds most uncomfortable (multiple responses allowed) is "Who do you plan to vote for as president?" which ranked first at 53%.

Following that, 41% found questions related to "Are you dating?" and 38% found inquiries like "What do you do on weekends?" concerning hobbies and leisure also uncomfortable.

Additionally, topics such as religion (32%), appearance (27%), address (21%), alma mater (17%), age (15%), place of origin (8%), and personality traits (7%) were also cited as uncomfortable subjects by Generation Z.

The primary reason for discomfort with such questions is that they are "too personal," according to 55% of respondents. Other responses included feeling "a lack of respect" (17%), concerns about "leading to gossip or rumors" (11%), and being "still in a not-so-close relationship" (11%).

Generation Z's thoughts on building relationships with colleagues

Interestingly, when asked if it is possible to become friends with workplace colleagues, 82% of Generation Z respondents answered "yes." This indicates that while Generation Z initially prefers to maintain proper boundaries at work, they believe that intimacy with colleagues can develop over time as trust builds.

Kim Jeong-hyun, head of Jin Haksa Catch, advised, "Excessive personal questions in relationships that are not yet close can be uncomfortable regardless of generation. It's better to start conversations with light topics like content preferences, favorite foods, or the weather while observing the response of the other person."

Image source: Material photo for better understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank