Apparently, you can tell a lot about a person’s age from how they sign off their work emails. ‘Yours truly’? Probably a boomer. ‘Sincerely’ or ‘best wishes’? You might be dealing with a millennial. A simple ‘thanks’ or even a ‘peace out’? It’s giving Gen Z.

There is, of course, a stereotype that Gen Z slang is a bit juvenile, a bit over the top, a bit inappropriate for professional environments. In fact, several viral TikTok videos make fun of the idea that Gen Z-speak might find its way into the workplace. “Not me trying to gaslight the pain away,” says one TikToker, pretending to be a Gen Z gynaecologist.

In another TikTok video, a woman shared some examples of how her Gen Z colleagues sign off emails, including “bless up”, “mean regards” and “another day another slay”.

New research conducted by Barclays suggests this woman isn’t alone – Gen Z’s linguistic habits are beginning to infiltrate the workplace. According to the study, young people are increasingly rejecting long-established formalities and instead opting for more casual language at work.

We spoke to Maren Pauli, linguistic and cultural expert at Babbel, to find out more about this new trend and what it means for the future of workplace communication. 

Are Gen Z really turning away from formal language?

According to Barclays’ study, the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. In fact, three-quarters of the workers surveyed claimed that the formality of language in the workplace was changing because of Gen Z.

Pauli agrees. “In recent years, it has become evident that Gen Z is moving away from formality in their language,” she says. “This trend is particularly prominent in written and digital communication, where informality, casual expressions and even slang have become the norm.” 

Gen Z workers tend to use more conversational communication styles both in-person and online, Pauli explains. “Gen Z, however, are not the first generation to begin the move away from formality in the workplace,” she says. “It is a trend that has been evolving for many years, as technology became increasingly relied upon in working environments.”

According to Pauli, changing communication standards in the workplace are a sign that societal norms are shifting more broadly alongside the rise of digital communication. 

“As digital natives, Gen Z has grown up in an era of instant messaging and social media, where informal communication is the norm,” she says. “This has influenced their preference for more relaxed language, as they are accustomed to quick and concise digital interactions.”

Another reason for the shift? Younger people are seeking out authenticity – and stilted formal language just doesn’t feel right. “Gen Z places a strong emphasis on authenticity and inclusivity, valuing open and transparent communication,” says Pauli. “They view informal language as a means to express themselves more genuinely and connect with colleagues on a personal level, fostering meaningful relationships in the workplace.”

Finally, more informal language is often embraced by everyone in the office, not just Gen Z members of staff, and that’s because workplace culture is changing.

“Modern work environments often emphasise collaboration, flexibility and flatter organisational structures, encouraging open and informal communication styles,” says Pauli. “This shift reflects their desire for more inclusive and approachable workplaces, where traditional corporate hierarchies and rigid formality are less prominent.”

The pros and cons of a more casual workplace

While traditionalists may cringe when they hear casual language being tossed around the office, leaning into a more informal vocabulary does have its advantages.

“It creates an environment where open communication flourishes, facilitating the free exchange of ideas and fostering creativity among employees,” says Pauli. “An informal workplace culture is often perceived as more inclusive and welcoming, encouraging individuals to express themselves authentically. This can lead to better teamwork and stronger employee engagement.”

However, this doesn’t mean that we should simply start talking to our bosses as if they were our besties.

’The key lies in striking a balance,” Pauli stresses. “While informality can promote a positive work atmosphere, excessive informality can potentially veer into unprofessionalism, affecting overall productivity and the quality of work.” 

The language we use sets the tone for how we conduct ourselves at work. By maintaining some level of formality, we are more likely to hold ourselves accountable and present the best version of ourselves to our colleagues and clients. 

“When dealing with external clients, investors or higher-level management, a certain level of formality is often necessary to convey professionalism and competence,” says Pauli.

The rise of informality in the office may also lead to miscommunication between generations, she adds. “Younger generations may consider the older generation’s adherence to formal conventions as rigid or resistant to change, while older colleagues may see the informality of their younger counterparts as a lack of respect for established norms. These misunderstandings can lead to tension and strained relationships within the workplace.”

How to find the perfect balance in your language at work

According to Barclays’ study, there are five common phrases that are definitely going out of style. So if you want to keep up with the times, you may want to avoid:

• Yours truly
• Yours sincerely
• To whom it may concern
• With compliments
• Respects

But what phrases should you use instead? Surely “stay slaying” isn’t the only alternative? How can we ensure we aren’t over- or under-doing it?

Pauli recommends paying attention to context. “In written communication, such as emails, it’s generally advisable to maintain a certain level of formality, especially when interacting with superiors, clients or external partners,” she says. “While the digital landscape has grown more casual, the art of crafting a respectful and professional email remains valuable.”

Of course, the exact language you use depends on the norms in your specific workplace. Pay attention to how others are addressing you, and try to mimic that level of formality. 

“It’s advisable to observe and respect the communication preferences of colleagues and superiors,” says Pauli. “If unsure, it’s better to start with slightly more formality and adjust based on the feedback received.” Overall, “to navigate this evolving landscape successfully, it’s important to respect the context, workplace culture and the preferences of those involved, while maintaining professionalism and clarity in communication”. 

Ultimately, getting a little more informal in the workplace probably won’t hurt. In fact, it will probably help you and your colleagues bond and work well together. But we don’t recommend signing off emails to your boss with any version of the word ‘slay’ – not unless you’re 100% sure they’ll take it the right way.

Images: Getty