Episode: 61

Episode Title: Can’t Touch This, Say Gen Z and Boomers 

Who are the two generations most averse to physical contact with coworkers? Find out, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 61 show:

Hello, and welcome! I’m your host, Mark Perna. How comfortable are you with physical contact from coworkers? According to a new study, Generation Z is emerging as one of the most touch-averse cohorts in the workplace today. They join the Boomers as the two generations most uncomfortable with touching and being touched by coworkers.

Unlike their more relaxed Gen-X and Millennial counterparts, Gen Z has the strictest boundaries. The majority of Boomers and Gen Z say they’re comfortable with handshakes, high fives and fist bumps with opposite-sex coworkers. Beyond that, however, both generations veer away from a touchy-feely culture at work. 

On the other hand, Millennials and Gen-X report higher numbers of hugs, shoulder massages and cheek kisses. And Gen-X in particular emerges as the generation most comfortable with close physical contact with coworkers—including many even slapping colleagues on the butt while on the job.

Gen Z and the Boomers may differ in a lot of ways, but they do agree that physical contact with coworkers should be kept to a minimum while in the office. And of course, nowadays public health concerns should be keeping all of us at arms’ length.

Healthy boundaries, both physical and social, can contribute to a safe workplace where all employees can thrive. And Gen Z is taking that message to heart. 

Dive deeper into the mind of the younger generations in my award-winning bestseller, Answering Why — available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook on Amazon.com.