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As younger generations enter the workforce, they bring new perspectives that challenge longstanding norms, particularly around work-life balance. One of the most frustrating aspects for older workers is that, often, these younger employees are right—especially when it comes to healthier working hours.
A Moment of Realization
Recently, I received an out-of-office (OOO) email from a young colleague stating, “Thanks for your email. I’m on leave until August 15. For anything urgent, please WA me.” Initially, I was annoyed. What does “WA” even mean? After realizing it stood for WhatsApp, I grew more irritated. She hadn’t even included a phone number, making the whole thing feel impractical.
But as I ranted to a friend, they pointed out that this young worker had actually been quite smart. By only offering WhatsApp contact to people who already had her number, she was balancing availability for urgent matters while avoiding unwanted calls from unknown sources. I was forced to admit that her strategy was clever. In fact, I might adopt it myself.
Younger Workers and Work-Life Balance
This small incident highlights a broader truth: young people at work often turn out to be right. Many of their approaches to work, especially around balancing work and life, challenge older norms in productive ways.
I’ve worked through countless nights and weekends to meet deadlines, as did everyone else at the time. Now, younger colleagues are more likely to reclaim that lost time by taking days off when needed, even if major projects are underway. At first, I was shocked, but I’ve come to realize that their stance on work-life balance reflects a healthier approach to career sustainability.
Read: 10 Effective Ways to Update Training Programs for Millennials and Gen-Z
The Case for Sustainable Working Hours
The idea that working long, unpredictable hours is just part of the job no longer holds up. Research shows the risks of overwork are real. A 2016 study by the UN revealed that working 55 hours or more a week contributed to 745,000 deaths from stroke and heart disease. Long hours also correlate with decreased engagement and productivity. In Japan, where “karoshi” refers to death by overwork, only 6% of employees report feeling engaged at work—a concerning statistic that has persisted for years.
A Shift in the Right Direction
Younger workers are challenging the unhealthy norms of older generations. Their insistence on healthier work habits may be frustrating for those of us accustomed to longer hours, but it is a necessary shift. Their approach is not only better for individual well-being but also for overall business productivity. In the end, they’re pushing working life in the right direction, even if it initially feels uncomfortable.
