A new study reveals stark generational differences in attitudes toward workplace tardiness, with Gen Z redefining punctuality and boomers enforcing strict standards.
At a glance:
- A study finds nearly half of Gen Z workers believe arriving 5-10 minutes late is acceptable, while 70% of baby boomers have zero tolerance for tardiness.
- The COVID-19 pandemic and remote work have shaped Gen Z’s more relaxed approach to timing.
- Baby boomer bosses maintain that even a minute late is still late, reflecting traditional workplace expectations.
- Gen Z workers miss deadlines more frequently but are also more likely to prioritize work-life balance and mental health.
Research conducted by the online meeting company Meeting Canary highlights a significant generational divide in attitudes toward timeliness at work. Nearly half of workers aged 16 to 26 believe arriving five to ten minutes late is essentially the same as being on time. Conversely, baby boomers take a much stricter stance, with 70% reporting zero tolerance for any level of tardiness.
The study also found a gradual decrease in tolerance for lateness with age. About 40% of millennials forgive minor delays, compared to 26% of Gen Xers and just 20% of boomers.
Why the Divide Exists
Gen Z workers entered the job market during the pandemic, often from the comfort of their homes. Virtual meetings allowed for leniency, such as waiting for late attendees due to technical issues, fostering a more flexible view of punctuality. Many Gen Z employees have never experienced the embarrassment of walking into a late in-person meeting, where all eyes are on them.
Moreover, the younger generation values flexibility. According to Laura van Beers, Founder of Meeting Canary, Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance and mental health over rigid workplace expectations. “Where working from home has blurred the lines in what good meeting etiquette is for younger generations, older office workers still have a more established, traditional view,” van Beers told Fortune.
Impact on Workplace Dynamics
The generational gap is already causing friction. Baby boomer bosses, who view punctuality as a sign of respect and professionalism, may find Gen Z’s relaxed attitude disruptive. “If you arrive after the agreed time at all, then you are late,” one report summarized the boomer perspective.
This generational shift extends beyond meeting times. Research shows Gen Z workers are more likely to miss deadlines, averaging nearly a quarter of deadlines missed weekly compared to 6% for boomers. However, young workers also spend more time on unnecessary tasks and overtime, indicating potential struggles with time management rather than disrespect.
Learning Curve or Cultural Shift?
Experts suggest that Gen Z’s perceived tardiness and inefficiency are less about generational flaws and more about inexperience. Nick South, Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group, noted that every new worker faces a learning curve. “When all of us entered the workforce, it took quite a long time to learn. We wasted time being ineffective,” he told Bloomberg. “As you go on, you learn when to focus and where you can take a shortcut.”
With time, Gen Z workers are likely to refine their time management skills. However, employers may need to adjust expectations to accommodate this generation’s values, including flexibility and mental health prioritization.
As the workplace continues to evolve, finding common ground between generations could be the key to fostering productivity and harmony in a multigenerational workforce.
