Gen Z’s Love for ‘Yapping’ at Work: How Constant Chatter is Shaping Post-Pandemic Office Culture

Gen Z, the youngest generation working today, is well-known for their love of conversation—a behavior so frequent that a new word has developed: “yapping.” This has bearing on the predisposition of young professionals—between the ages of 12 and 27—to conduct long conversations, frequently to the point that colleagues or listeners begin to check out. On social media, posts from young people confessing to their “yapping” habits have been abound. One Gen Z worker even joked humorously in a TikTok video, “I might be a little parasite that will yap your ear off if you let me,” “but I think I’m growing on my coworkers.”

Scientists argue that yapping results from the social isolation Gen Z experienced during the COVID-19 outbreak, even if some colleagues—especially older ones—may find it to be an unpleasant habit. After spending their formative years in lockdown or virtual schools, many Gen Z members missed out on usual in-person socializing, which would have increased their desire to communicate at work. Far from a disadvantage, though, studies suggest this behavior could enhance workplace dynamics.

Yapping at Work: Social Advantages

Even if managers’ worries or colleagues’ occasional annoyance could cause some disturbance, workplace yapping could have a beneficial use. Small chats, according to Babson College’s assistant professor of management Emily Rosado-Solomon, foster social relationships among employees, therefore encouraging teamwork and overall well-being. “Part of this yapping trend is just a poorly executed but well-intentioned attempt to connect with colleagues,” she explains. While Gen Z’s talkativeness is generating some criticism, the requirement of interacting with colleagues is not new; young workers from prior generations also tended to overdo small talk in the workplace.

Ryne Sherman, the chief scientific officer of Hogan Assessments, points out that younger workers naturally score better on sociability than their older colleagues, therefore their inclination to chat is a normal generational characteristic. But extraordinary circumstances like years of pandemic isolation have only helped to highlight Gen Z’s linguistic style. Many young employees started their first jobs during or shortly following the epidemic, which spurred a need to rebuild lost social relationships and balance years spent in virtual classes and Zoom conferences. Yapping is thus most likely the direct outcome of the need to restore personal bonds in a post-pandemic workplace.

Managing Yapping and Office Courtesy

Acknowledging the social implications of the epidemic, some American universities are now offering office etiquette classes to direct fresh graduates toward professional behavior. These seminars and other programs conducted by companies aim to teach younger staff members how to retain professional distance and manage polite conversations. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, over 60% of American companies desire to offer staff etiquette training while stressing communication skills.

Head of thought leadership at Myers-Briggs Company, John Hackston points out that many of these young individuals have spent much of their adult years in virtual environments. They are only learning now how to engage in in-person give-and-take. “They might not realize that perhaps that doesn’t fit in the etiquette of a traditional office,” Hackston says, elucidating that this change is one of the main reasons Gen Z’s conversational tendencies have drawn interest.

Yapping as a tool for creativity and well-being

Though potentially annoying coworkers, experts think yapping has great benefits for a business. Small talks and casual conversations can stimulate new ideas, allow one to feel like they belong, and advance open communication. When short conversations go well, Rosado-Solomon contends, it might lead to “citizenship behaviors” in the workplace—that is, people exceeding their official job tasks to help colleagues.

Keep Reading

Research published in the Academy of Management Journal supports these claims by demonstrating that office chit-chat offers mental breaks and thereby promotes emotional well-being, thereby enhancing employee welfare. Sherman, from Hogan Assessments, also points out that staff members mentally rejuvenate over long stretches of heavy work by means of informal conversations. “Nobody sits down and plows through eight hours straight,” he says, noting that yapping can offer much-needed reprieve from the rigidity of focused work.

Moreover, especially for younger employees, office yapping provides networking opportunities. Many experts have observed that informal meetings can help young people form alliances ready for commencing their careers.

When Yapping Expansives Go Too Far

While yapping has benefits, managers and employees should be aware of when it becomes undesirable. Research and analytics senior vice president for Slack Christina Janzer points out that some employees—especially introverts—may find long-winded conversations uncomfortable or draining. Moreover, little talks that go on too long can divert colleagues and even lead to reduced production. “Going on and on about an irrelevant topic for 30 minutes maybe isn’t the most effective way to show up to work.” Janzer adds. Managers have to balance ensuring output is not affected with supporting social events.

Still, experts caution against punishing too harshly employee chit-chat. Rosado-Solomon notes that Gen Z expects the workplace differently than earlier generations. Younger employees wish businesses to consider them as whole individuals rather than just employees. Therefore, businesses should embrace some degree of socializing even if it goes against traditional office rules since it is really vital.

Getting Used to the New Normal

Gen Z is helping to drastically change employee interactions at businesses as workplace etiquette changes. Experts advise companies to embrace these changing communication styles instead of trying to oppose too forcefully. Sherman notes, for instance, that trying to manage or monitor workplace yapping could backfire since it would alienate young workers and lead to disengagement. “What really matters is how people are being productive,” he says, emphasizing that it’s difficult to exactly tie yapping to any detrimental impact on workplace performance.

In the end, office yapping first looks like a diversion, but its benefits for creativity, well-being, and teambuilding are hard to ignore. Businesses should be smart to strike a balance that satisfies the social needs of their younger employees while maintaining overall output as workplaces evolve after the epidemic.