29.05.2025
60% of Gen Z use email to dodge awkward conversations, finds survey
A new study by ZeroBounce analyses how Gen Z uses email and what drives their satisfaction at work. The company conducted a survey of nearly 1,400 Gen Zers (born between 1997 and 2012) across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several other European countries. The research includes a nearly even gender split - 51% men and 49% women. Findings from The Gen Z at Work Report provide key insights for business leaders, marketers, and HR professionals aiming to better understand and connect with this emerging generation in the workplace.
Despite the rise of instant messaging apps, 42% of Gen Z workers still prefer email for communication at work, more than double the 20% who opt for platforms like Slack or WhatsApp. Texting follows at 15%, while social media messaging accounts for 14%. Video calls are least favoured among this generation, with only 2% choosing them, while 7% still prefer phone calls.
Nearly half of the Gen Z cohort, 47%, review their inboxes for work and school messages, making email a vital part of their daily routine. However, 11% only check their email when absolutely necessary. For 36%, the primary motivation of checking their inboxes is FOMO (fear of missing out) - they want to stay updated on opportunities like brand partnerships and job offers. Interestingly, just 6% use email to stay connected with family and friends.
More than half of the respondents, 57%, struggle with determining the appropriate level of formality in workplace emails. Additionally, 51% are uncertain when to follow up on unanswered emails, while 18% are unsure of the ideal response time. Even small details, like when to use CC or BCC and whether emojis are appropriate, often cause confusion for Gen Z in the workplace.
The survey reveals that 14% of Zoomers skip email sign-offs and rely only on their email signature. Among those who use a signoff, 53% prefer "thanks," while 35% choose "sincerely." Other popular options include "best wishes" and "kind regards," with rare sign-offs like "grace and peace" and "blessings" standing out. Interestingly, "cheers" is hardly used.
Despite the widespread use of shorthand, 10% of Gen Zers avoid abbreviations in work emails, concerned they may seem too informal. Among those who use abbreviations, 69% opt for ASAP, 33% for FYI, and 26% for BTW. Less common abbreviations like IDK are used by 14% and Thx by 11%.
More than half of the Gen Z generation, 53%, say email stresses them out, with 14% expressing strong anxiety about it. However, attitudes towards email are not entirely negative, as 47% stated they don’t experience any stress from email.
92% of Gen Z admitted that the volume of emails impacts their productivity, with 33% stating it’s a frequent issue that hampers their work efficiency. For many, email becomes a time sink, as even the 20% who are less affected still experience productivity dips. Only 8% reported that email volume has no impact on their work.
Despite AI's widespread presence across industries, 27% of the respondents reported not using AI tools to manage their emails. Among those who do, 14% feel these tools offer minimal improvement. Interestingly, 35% believe AI tools somewhat enhance their efficiency, while only 24% feel they save a significant amount of time.
For the Gen Z cohort, work-life balance is the top priority, with 32% of respondents saying it is the key to their happiness at work. Earning a good salary comes second, with 26% valuing financial reward and stability. While factors like company culture and career growth opportunities are also important, they do not hold the same weight. This generation clearly prioritises wellbeing over traditional career metrics.
Liviu Tanase, founder and CEO of ZeroBounce, commented on the study: “...These insights provide business leaders with an opportunity to better engage with this generation. Setting clear email expectations is a great first step. Additionally, fostering an environment where all generations feel comfortable sharing ideas can make collaboration more natural and productive. There’s room for growth on both sides."
Find the full Gen Z at Work 2025 Report here.
Despite the rise of instant messaging apps, 42% of Gen Z workers still prefer email for communication at work, more than double the 20% who opt for platforms like Slack or WhatsApp. Texting follows at 15%, while social media messaging accounts for 14%. Video calls are least favoured among this generation, with only 2% choosing them, while 7% still prefer phone calls.
Nearly half of the Gen Z cohort, 47%, review their inboxes for work and school messages, making email a vital part of their daily routine. However, 11% only check their email when absolutely necessary. For 36%, the primary motivation of checking their inboxes is FOMO (fear of missing out) - they want to stay updated on opportunities like brand partnerships and job offers. Interestingly, just 6% use email to stay connected with family and friends.
More than half of the respondents, 57%, struggle with determining the appropriate level of formality in workplace emails. Additionally, 51% are uncertain when to follow up on unanswered emails, while 18% are unsure of the ideal response time. Even small details, like when to use CC or BCC and whether emojis are appropriate, often cause confusion for Gen Z in the workplace.
The survey reveals that 14% of Zoomers skip email sign-offs and rely only on their email signature. Among those who use a signoff, 53% prefer "thanks," while 35% choose "sincerely." Other popular options include "best wishes" and "kind regards," with rare sign-offs like "grace and peace" and "blessings" standing out. Interestingly, "cheers" is hardly used.
Despite the widespread use of shorthand, 10% of Gen Zers avoid abbreviations in work emails, concerned they may seem too informal. Among those who use abbreviations, 69% opt for ASAP, 33% for FYI, and 26% for BTW. Less common abbreviations like IDK are used by 14% and Thx by 11%.
More than half of the Gen Z generation, 53%, say email stresses them out, with 14% expressing strong anxiety about it. However, attitudes towards email are not entirely negative, as 47% stated they don’t experience any stress from email.
92% of Gen Z admitted that the volume of emails impacts their productivity, with 33% stating it’s a frequent issue that hampers their work efficiency. For many, email becomes a time sink, as even the 20% who are less affected still experience productivity dips. Only 8% reported that email volume has no impact on their work.
Despite AI's widespread presence across industries, 27% of the respondents reported not using AI tools to manage their emails. Among those who do, 14% feel these tools offer minimal improvement. Interestingly, 35% believe AI tools somewhat enhance their efficiency, while only 24% feel they save a significant amount of time.
For the Gen Z cohort, work-life balance is the top priority, with 32% of respondents saying it is the key to their happiness at work. Earning a good salary comes second, with 26% valuing financial reward and stability. While factors like company culture and career growth opportunities are also important, they do not hold the same weight. This generation clearly prioritises wellbeing over traditional career metrics.
Liviu Tanase, founder and CEO of ZeroBounce, commented on the study: “...These insights provide business leaders with an opportunity to better engage with this generation. Setting clear email expectations is a great first step. Additionally, fostering an environment where all generations feel comfortable sharing ideas can make collaboration more natural and productive. There’s room for growth on both sides."
Find the full Gen Z at Work 2025 Report here.
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