It seems that requesting permission from your boss to leave work early via text might not always yield the expected results.
Millennial and Gen Z employees are forging a new kind of work ethic, but it doesn’t always align with the principles and expectations of those who have been in the workforce for several decades.
However, one boss had an unexpectedly positive reaction when one of her employees asked to log off early.
Jessy Marshall operates a public relations firm in Sydney, Australia, called Hive HQ.
At 35 years old, Marshall oversees a team of six staff members, all of whom belong to ‘Gen Z’.
If you’re not up to date with the generational labels—each becoming more complex—Gen Z includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012, making them currently aged between 12 and 27.
Marshall disclosed that one of her Gen Z employees sent her a text one day asking to ‘log off’ early.
Surprisingly, the reason wasn’t a medical appointment, feeling unwell, or an emergency. Instead, the employee had simply finished their work for the day.
The text read: “Hi Jessy. I am up to date with my work … anyway, can I log off? Mwah xx.”
Marshall’s response might shock you.
Despite many of us not daring to text our boss to ask to leave early just because we’re ‘up to date,’ the employee received an affirmative reply from Marshall.
Marshall texted back: “Yes, log off.”
Who knew it could be that straightforward? However, it might be wise to think twice before trying this with your own boss unless you’re prepared for a potential meeting and a warning—not all bosses are as laid-back as Marshall.
Marshall told News.com.au that she maintains ‘firm boundaries’ with her employees but also encourages them to be open and avoid burnout. She believes Gen Z are ‘much better at saying they feel pushed or exhausted or they don’t feel like themselves and need to take time out’.
“They are good at setting boundaries but they are also very good at making sure they work in their allocated time,” she added, noting that on Fridays, her employees are permitted to ‘log off’ once their ‘work is done’.
Marshall concluded: “Where we can we log off early, particularly on Fridays, so they can give themselves an extra-long weekend. They are really proud of what they are doing and I’m giving them time to rejuvenate.
“If an urgent email came through, they’d still reply because they’d know it was important, but can it wait? Then it can wait until Monday.”
Maybe consider sharing this story on social media in the hopes your boss takes note.