Gen Z workplace friction stems from unspoken norms, not poor communication skills
Jeff LeBlanc, a Boston University researcher, argues that generational workplace conflicts arise from differing definitions of respect rather than bad faith. He cites a survey of 250 Gen Z professionals showing that clear structural expectations are as important as fairness. LeBlanc notes that older Gen Z members learned communication norms during the pandemic, when remote work and masks obscured nonverbal cues. He suggests that explicit clarification of expectations, rather than assuming shared 'common sense,' can bridge these gaps. For example, a Gen Z employee may text a manager about being late to save time, while the manager interprets the lack of a phone call as disrespect. LeBlanc emphasizes that AI tools increase communication volume but do not guarantee understanding, making explicit norms essential.
