Workplace Etiquette in the Age of Gen Z

What’s up, EqualityWorx crew? If you thought the biggest challenge facing Gen Z at work was landing a job in the first place, think again. New research from Intelligent shows that a new trend is turning heads: employers are hiring etiquette coaches to help young hires navigate the workplace. Sounds old-school? Maybe. But dig a little deeper, and this story is really about how Gen Z is changing the world of work – and how the world is scrambling to keep up.

The Rise of the Etiquette Coach

Tech giants, start-ups, and even nonprofits in the Bay Area are bringing in etiquette experts to teach everything from “how to shake hands” to “when to mute on Zoom.” The reason? Managers say their youngest employees are smart, creative, and digitally fluent – but sometimes struggle with the unwritten rules of office life. Think: replying to emails, making small talk, or even just showing up on time.

It’s easy to laugh this off as a “kids these days” moment. But what’s really happening is more interesting – and way more relevant to second-gen Gen Z in Ireland and beyond.

Why Is This Happening Now?

Gen Z entered the workforce during a global pandemic, with remote work as the norm and TikTok as the water cooler. For many, the first “real job” happened in a bedroom, not a boardroom. The old-school rituals – handshakes, in-person meetings, office banter – weren’t just paused, they were replaced by DMs, emojis, and endless video calls.

Now, as companies push for a return to the office (or at least a hybrid model), there’s a culture clash. Employers want “professionalism.” Gen Z wants authenticity. Both sides are figuring out what respect and communication look like in 2025.

What Are Etiquette Coaches Actually Teaching?

It’s not just about which fork to use at lunch. Today’s etiquette coaches are teaching:

• How to write clear, respectful emails (no more ghosting your boss).
• When to turn your camera on (and when it’s okay to leave it off).
• How to read a room, whether it’s virtual or IRL.
• The art of constructive feedback and healthy boundaries.

Some coaches even help with cross-cultural communication, crucial for second-gen professionals who might be blending family traditions with Irish or American office norms.

Gen Z’s Take: Are We Really That Awkward?

Here’s the thing: Gen Z isn’t “bad at work.” We’re just playing by new rules. We value directness, mental health, and work-life balance. We’re less interested in hierarchy and more interested in impact. We’d rather send a Slack message than interrupt a meeting. And yes, we might wear headphones at our desks – but we’re still getting the job done.

Etiquette coaches aren’t here to “fix” Gen Z. They’re helping bridge the gap between generations, cultures, and communication styles. In a way, they’re translators – making sure everyone’s on the same page, even if you’re speaking different languages (or using different emojis).

Why This Matters for Second-Gen Gen Z

For second-gen, the workplace can feel like a double translation. You’re navigating your family’s expectations, your own identity, and now, a workplace with its own secret codes. Maybe you grew up in a home where respect meant silence, but your manager wants you to “speak up.” Maybe you’re used to WhatsApp voice notes, but your team prefers email threads.

Etiquette coaching, at its best, isn’t about erasing who you are. It’s about giving you the tools to show up fully – confident, understood, and respected. It’s about helping workplaces see that diversity isn’t just a box to tick, but a strength to unlock.

The Bigger Picture: Gen Z Is Changing Work for Good

Let’s not get it twisted: the real story isn’t that Gen Z “needs help.” It’s that the workplace is finally being forced to evolve. Companies are realising that if they want to attract and keep young, diverse talent, they need to meet us halfway. That means clearer communication, more flexibility, and a willingness to challenge outdated norms.

Etiquette coaches are a sign of this shift. They’re not just teaching manners – they’re helping build workplaces where everyone, from the CEO to the intern, can thrive.

What Can We Learn in Ireland?

This isn’t just a San Francisco thing. As more Irish companies go global and hybrid, the same challenges are popping up here. Second-gen Gen Z are already experts at code-switching and adapting. But you shouldn’t have to leave your identities at the door.

Here’s what we’d love to see:

• Workplaces that value cultural intelligence as much as technical skills.
• Managers who ask, “How do you like to communicate?” instead of assuming.
• Training that goes both ways – helping older generations understand Gen Z, too.
• More spaces where young people can share their stories and shape the future of work.

The Future Is Yours to Shape

Etiquette coaching for Gen Z might sound like a punchline, but it’s actually a wake-up call. The world of work is changing, and you’re at the centre of it. You don’t need to be “fixed” – you need to be heard, respected, and given the tools to lead.

So, whether you’re heading into your first job or running your own side hustle, remember: you belong. Your way of working, communicating, and connecting is valid. And if the office needs a little help catching up? That’s their homework, not yours.

Second-gen community, your voice is key. Share a 300–500-word piece at equalityworx.com/submit about how your family’s skills are underused or why Ireland must value overseas professionals. Post a clip on X or Instagram with #EqualityWorxVibe and tag @EqualityWorx – we’ll amplify it. You’re shaping Ireland’s future with Gen Flow’s digital drive, respecting your roots while building a fairer system. Let’s make this a movement! 🌍 #EqualityWorxVibe

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