Boss posts screenshots to show how 'working with Gen Z is funny, draining and interesting'

Gen Z is redefining work culture with a preference for informal communication, influenced by growing up amidst technological advances and cultural shifts. Quirky slang is gradually replacing typical salutations in corporate emails, and some bosses are catching on. Recently, a Nigerian entrepreneur shared screenshots of messages from a Gen Z employee on X, and his post quickly went viral, leaving many in stitches. 

Chris, who goes by @chrisllionaire_ on X, shared a post on May 20 that garnered over 1 million views and more than 400 likes. “The message I woke up to this morning...Working with Gen Z is funny, draining, interesting. Everything,” he wrote and added a couple of laughing emojis.

Curious commenters asked Chris to share the employee’s message and whether he was upset with the Gen Z employee. Chris responded with another post, writing, “No, I'm not angry. I'll be laughing all week cos what? (sic)” The post included the worker's message, which was an animated video synced with the song "Holiday" by Problem Child. Here's an excerpt from the catchy lyrics, "Boss! I'm not coming to work today. I can't see...no, nothing wrong with my eyes. I just can't see myself coming to work today." When the boss questioned the employee, "What's this?" he hilariously replied, "Exactly what the video says, Sir."

Chris had to put up another update as he "didn't expect the post to blow up." He wrote, "I was in between meetings and my phone kept buzzing, so I had to mute the post." Elaborating on the story of his employee’s funny message, he wrote, “He pranked me. Got to work before everyone else and told them not to let me know he was there. I don't usually go to the office on Mondays, so I didn't know he was already at work. I called him in the morning to check in, but the silly boy didn't pick up. Instead, he messaged me on WhatsApp this afternoon. I love Gen Zs!”

Chris also attached a screenshot of his chat with the employee. The employee's message read, “Good afternoon boss, Sorry it’s a prank. Got to the office before everybody.” Chris replied, “Silly boy! So, what should be the appropriate fine for pranking me on a Monday morning?” The employee responded with a hilarious GIF.

Several people appreciated the boss' reaction; others expressed their desire to work in his company. @theoakenbrand wrote, “I like that you and your staff communicate like this.” @claudieseyes wondered that he must be so cordial with his staff that the employee had the courage to send him a message like this on Monday morning. @islimfit resonated with this and said, “You probably have some kind of relaxed relationship with him. You must be a cool boss!” @yanuolwa1 added, “I want a boss like this!” @philip_itisi quipped that the employee was soon going to get a sack letter. “No, he’s a hardworking guy,” said Chris in a comment.

On the other hand, despite the easy-going interaction, @ajebodanny expressed that Gen Z people are “the best people to work with,” to which Chris replied, “Yes, they’re the best!” @Daniels_osi commented, “This is very creative. Now he gave you the news that was supposed to upset you but with a funny and entertaining video. Now you're smiling but angry but not at him.” Jokingly, @ahlexmoralex added, “Gen Z is something else.” And, he is not incorrect in saying that.

Born between 1995 and 2010, the Gen Z workforce is known for its laid-back vibe. They incline towards informal communication design more than formal protocol. From hilarious email sign-offs to quirky project ideas, they appear to adopt a relaxed demeanor at the workplace.