When the "Vibe" Isn't Right at Work

A restaurant manager struggled with an employee’s inconsistent attendance despite his competence. When questioned, the employee reported that work did not have the right “vibe,” not illness or other serious problems. Younger workers, including Gen Z, are often characterized by lower resilience and higher stress levels. Many experience low confidence and low resilience at work, which can contribute to avoidance or unreliability. Managers are encouraged to prioritize understanding employees’ mindsets and motivations, rather than demanding straightforward explanations or interpreting absences through a narrow lens. Building insight into what makes work feel workable can improve attendance and engagement.

"“Work just didn't have the right vibe,” he finally said. The right vibe? I thought about my own career, and how some of my own managers, in a conservative suit-and-tie environment, would have responded, had I explained an absence that way. Let's just say, beyond a likely initial lack of comprehension, it's a fair bet the conversation wouldn't have been pleasant.”"

"“Younger workers, often defined as Generation Z (or simply 'Gen Z,' born between 1997 and 2012), are widely recognized for possessing, in the aggregate, lower levels of resilience and higher levels of stress.”"

"“Many Gen Z workers face high stress, low resilience, and low confidence at work.”"

"“Managers should prioritize understanding Gen Z employees' mindsets and motivations.”"

Read at Psychology Today