Rubén Andrés
WriterWriter at Xataka. I've been working remotely for more than a decade and I'm a strong advocate of technology as a way to improve our lives. Full-time addict of black, sugar-free coffee.
Generation Z is setting its standards in the workplace, bringing significant changes in etiquette and behavior toward colleagues.
A PapersOwl survey of 2,000 people ages 18 to 34 found that Gen Z newcomers to the workforce don’t view certain rules of conduct—ones that may seem basic—the same way as previous generations.
By returning to the office, Gen Z members must physically coexist with colleagues from other generations and adapt to avoid confrontations in work meetings.
10 Minutes Late Is Late
One workplace rule Gen Z has relaxed is punctuality. Being late is one of the most common mistakes and a primary form of disrespect in meetings.
Arden Clise, an expert on protocol and professional relationships, told Business Insider: “If everyone’s arriving late, then you can’t start a meeting on time, and you don’t accomplish what you need to accomplish.” The recommendation is to allow a few minutes of courtesy but start the meeting on time to respect those who arrived promptly.
The Presence of the Remote Assistant
If a meeting includes remote participants, keeping the camera on reinforces presence. Turning it off—except for technical issues or specific incidents—is disrespectful, especially during an intervention or direct conversation.
It would be like speaking to someone with your back turned. You wouldn’t do that in person, so maintaining “eye contact” by keeping the camera on helps engagement.
Video meetings pose challenges because human communication relies on subtle micro-gestures, which don’t fully translate through a screen. Turning off the camera reduces the chance of effective communication.
No Multitasking During Meetings
According to Clise, multitasking is one of the biggest enemies of productivity and shows a lack of respect for other participants. “If you’re not present in the meeting, if you’re doing other work, you’re not going to hear what’s going on. You’re not going to participate because you’re missing that opportunity,” she said.
Avoid doing other tasks unless you’re taking notes or reviewing meeting materials. Meetings exist to discuss problems or solutions, so active participation is key.
If your presence in a meeting is unnecessary, consider opting out. It’s a mentality that Tesla CEO Elon Musk imposes on his employees: If you’re bored or you feel like your presence doesn’t contribute anything, leave.
Excessive Typing in the Chat Room
Another mistake in remote meetings is excessive chatting. While the chat can be used to share relevant links or information, side conversations distract attendees.
“Chatting is like a side conversation in an in-person meeting,” Clise said. Use it sparingly and only for occasional additions that provide value.
Monopolizing the Conversation
The opposite of multitasking is dominating the conversation, preventing others from sharing their thoughts.
If you’re explaining a project, allow room for comments, questions, and discussion. Avoid overshadowing others or interrupting.
“It’s hard sometimes in a meeting, particularly a virtual meeting, to know when someone is finished or going to be finished. But if you’re someone who regularly interrupts people… that can be really offensive,” Clise said.
The Right to Speak—and to Stay Silent
Meetings, especially in-person ones, can be challenging for introverts. Not everyone is comfortable speaking publicly, even among colleagues. If someone prefers to remain silent, respect their choice rather than pressuring them to talk.
A better approach is to politely ask for their thoughts on a specific point and acknowledge any good ideas they contribute.
Follow Through on Commitments
Taking notes during meetings ensures everyone understands their responsibilities and deadlines.
Clise says one of the most common mistakes is forgetting tasks because they weren’t written down. Neglecting responsibilities is disrespectful to colleagues who are meeting their commitments.
“It doesn’t reflect well on you if you’re not holding up your end of the work tasks. If you’re not getting work done, you’re not helping your coworkers, and you’re not allowing the company to accomplish what it needs to accomplish,” Clise said.
Image | Campaign Creators (Unsplash)
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