60% of Gen Z'ers Use Email to Avoid Conflict and Anxiety at Work
Gen Z is choosing email over instant messaging—but not for the reason you think. It’s not about being formal... it’s about avoiding awkward convos, setting boundaries, and dodging workplace anxiety. Tap in to see why inboxes are becoming Gen Z’s new safe space at work.
6/25/20251 min read
Gen Z might be known for TikTok dances and texting in emojis, but when it comes to work communication? Turns out, they're hitting send on a good old-fashioned email.
A new survey just dropped some surprising stats: 60% of Gen Z workers say they actually prefer email — not because it's formal or traditional, but because it helps them avoid awkward conversations and workplace anxiety. That number jumps to 65% among Gen Z women, who say email gives them more control over how they communicate on the job.
Why email? A few key reasons:
It lets them build a case or express themselves clearly without being interrupted.
It creates a healthy distance, which helps set boundaries.
It feels like a safer space compared to fast, unpredictable chat apps like Slack or Teams.
Even though people often assume Gen Z is glued to instant messages and DMs, the report shows a shift: 42% of Gen Z workers now say email is their favorite work channel, doubling the number who chose Slack or WhatsApp.
And get this: they'd rather hop on a phone call than a video call — proving that not everything needs a camera, a filter, or awkward small talk about your Zoom background.
So, next time your Gen Z coworker doesn't respond in the group chat but drops you a thoughtful email? Don’t take it personally — they might just be protecting their peace.