Tech.co’s 2025 Impact of Tech on the Workplace Report reveals that Gen Z and young millennial business leaders (ages 25-34) are contributing to an unhealthy “always on” work culture.
According to Tech.co’s survey, 93% of Gen Z and young millennial business leaders believe it is acceptable to contact colleagues who are on vacation for urgent or emergency work matters.
Likelihood of Senior Leaders Contacting Colleagues on Vacation (by Generation):
- Gen Z & young millennials (25-34 years old): 93%
- Older millennials (35-44 years old): 87%
- Older millennials & young baby boomers (45-54 years old): 86%
- Baby boomers (55-64 years old): 83%
Older millennial leaders were the second most likely to reach out to colleagues on vacation, with 87% saying they find it acceptable in urgent situations. These numbers highlight a widespread acceptance of crossing work-life boundaries.
On the other hand, baby boomer business leaders showed slightly more respect for vacation time, with 83% agreeing that it is acceptable to contact employees who are off duty. Meanwhile, 89% of Gen Z and young millennial senior leaders admitted they feel obligated to respond to work-related messages while on vacation—more than any other generation surveyed.
These findings challenge the stereotype that younger generations are less hardworking. Instead, they suggest that Gen Z and younger millennials in leadership roles may be reinforcing an unhealthy work ethic.
With 61% of business leaders saying AI has helped improve their work-life balance, integrating AI into daily tasks could allow young business leaders to use their time more effectively. AI-driven automation can boost productivity and free up time for more complex or strategic work, potentially improving work-life balance.
“The rise of remote work and advancements in workplace technology have made workers more accessible than ever, even outside of office hours,” says Jack Turner, Editor of Tech.co. “Younger generations have grown up in this environment, which may explain why they are more inclined to contact colleagues outside of work hours.
The good news is that while technology has contributed to this issue, it also offers solutions. Our study shows that AI is helping workers regain control over their work-life balance.”
