Gen-Z worker is asked by his boss to join a meeting during his break. Then he reveals the boundary he refuses to compromise on

Gen Z employees are setting clear workplace boundaries. DeAndre Brown, who goes by @imdrebrown on TikTok, recently made a video about his workplace non-negotiables. In the video, DeAndre shares that he won’t do certain things as a Gen Z employee, using the trend “I’m a _____, of course _____.”

First, DeAndre said, “I’m a Gen Z in corporate. Of course, I’m not going to that meeting that’s during my lunchtime. Sorry, take it off the schedule.” He believes he is entitled to his lunch break, so he won’t take that meeting.

When it comes to clocking out, count on DeAndre to be the first man out. “I’m a Gen Z in corporate. Of course, the screen is hitting the keyboard at five o’clock on a dial. Maybe even 4:30.” Lastly, he mentioned a mental health break: “I’m a Gen Z in corporate. What do you mean, ‘what is a mental health day?’ Figure it out because I’m taking one a month.”

Gen Z is now changing the workplace culture

These seem like the bare minimum for an employee to request from their employer, but some bosses find those requests odd and don’t recognize them as boundaries. That is why DeAndre’s post has been well received by his fellow Gen-Z workers. On TikTok, people shared their own boundaries about being employees in the corporate world and how they approach their work lives.

@imdrebrown Im a GenZ in Corporate! #genz#corporate♬ original sound – DeAndre Brown

One commented: “I’m a Gen Z in corporate. Why are we having a Zoom call when you could’ve sent an email?” Another one wrote: “I’m a Gen Z in corporate, of course I’m taking my meetings in bed. Laptop vertical.”

Gen Z employees have gained a notorious reputation from older generations in the workplace, with some arguing that they have “no work ethic, unemployable, lacking social skills, etc.” However, some younger workers now have different perspectives in corporate than previous generations did.

“I’m a Gen Z in corporate. If you are not paying me to do it, I AM. NOT. DOING. IT,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “I’m Gen Z in corporate, and I kindly decline any dinners/events with coworkers after hours. I’m not getting paid to be your friend on a weekday BYEEE.”

The comments showed how Gen Z’s expectations and motivation have changed. In a study conducted by Qureos, about 77% of Gen Zers consider work-life balance a stepping stone to a successful career. Additionally, this generation expects employers to prioritize their well-being, with Cake.com reporting that around 60% cite this as a crucial factor in job satisfaction. As the video shows, they have become more outspoken about their right to have a healthy work environment.