Gen Z workers love to ‘yap’ and bosses should think twice about shutting them up

Isolated during some of their most formative years due to the pandemic, they’re the generation most eager to work in person, connect with coworkers, and chat. In fact, it can sometimes even go beyond chatting, and turn into “yapping.”

Defined as speaking for long periods until the other person loses interest, Gen Z employees have flooded TikTok with videos about how they can’t help but yap at the office—or how annoying their yapping coworkers can be. 

“Their whole adult life, they haven’t had the chance to actually learn and have that give-and-take in work relationships,” says John Hackston, head of thought leadership at Myers-Briggs Company, a personality assessment provider. “And suddenly, bang, they’re in an office, and they do what seems right. They may not realize that perhaps that doesn’t fit into the etiquette.”

But experts I spoke with about the phenomenon say it isn’t exclusive to Gen Z, and it’s not even bad for office culture. Chit chat is good for morale, and fosters a sense of belonging and innovation, creating a culture of exchange between employees. Small talk also acts as a much needed brain-break during long periods of work and solitary deep-thinking. 

Of course, there’s no doubt that yapping can go too far. But as long as the work is getting done, bosses might want to think twice before they crack down on Gen Z’s yapping habit. By curbing small talk, they can run the risk of alienating staffers and creating a disengaged workforce. 

You can read my full story on Gen Z’s yapping habit here.

Emma Burleigh
emma.burleigh@fortune.com

Today’s edition was curated by Emma Burleigh.

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