Emails, Emojis & Everything In Between: Diary of A Corporate Gen Z

Annetty Waweru

Let’s be honest: being Gen Z in the workplace comes with its own storyline. I’m the one who types fast, adds emojis to messages followed by stickers, and says “real quick” before solving a problem that’s been lingering since 2015.

Sure, I may not be besties with the office printer, but I do know how to turn a cluttered spreadsheet into a dashboard that actually works. And while I’m often the youngest in the room, being Gen Z isn’t just about age; it’s about bringing a fresh perspective and a different kind of energy to the workplace.

This article isn’t just about being “the young one.” It’s about navigating a space that wasn’t always built with us in mind and slowly (and sometimes awkwardly) helping to reshape it from the inside out.

‘Not Just the Young One’

Yes, I’m young. Yes, I love caramel shakes. Yes, I take notes on my iOS. But no, I’m not here to fix the Wi-Fi or make copies. I’m here to bring bold ideas, reimagine how we work, and build a culture that values growth and innovation. Asking “Do we need to print this?” isn’t resistance, but it’s a reflection of how we value efficiency, sustainability, and smart work.

‘Confessions From the Gen Z Desk’

Here’s some real talk:

•I’ve said “This gives unhinged” during a budget review. (Wasn’t wrong.)

•I’ve used the “😭” emoji in a professional message — and guess what? The world didn’t end.

•I once Googled “revert back” the first time I saw it in an email (still slightly confused, why are we reverting? Are we time traveling?).

There are days when I feel like I’m in a show called Survivor: Corporate Edition. But they’re balanced out by the small wins, like introducing a new tool to the team, helping someone demystify Google Drive, or asking the question everyone else was thinking but was hesitant to voice.

‘Communication Styles: Different Worlds, Same Goals’

Working across generations means learning to flex between communication styles. I might say, “Hey, just checking in 😊” while someone else writes, “As per our last conversation…”   I type in lowercase for the vibes; they use CAPS LOCK for emphasis. But instead of clashing, this difference has made me better — more adaptable, more thoughtful, and more effective. Bridging communication gaps is part of the work. And if I can explain a system update via memes and still write a formal report, I call that fluency.

 ‘What Gen Z Brings to The Table’

Gen Z isn’t here to clock in and zone out. We show up with curiosity, creativity, and just the right amount of chaos to stir things up (in a good way). We care deeply about mental health, fairness, sustainability, workflow, and yes, the vibe. We’re not asking “why?” to be difficult; we’re doing it because we know there’s usually a better way. We value transparency over tradition, balance over burnout, and progress over performance for performance’s sake. That’s not entitlement, that’s evolution.

‘Learning From Every Generation’

Let’s be clear: it’s not just about teaching. It’s about learning, too. From older colleagues, I’ve learned resilience, emotional intelligence, and the power of grace under pressure. I’ve learned that sometimes silence speaks louder than Slack notifications.                

Honoring that experience doesn’t mean dimming our light; it means contributing our own color to the bigger picture. The future of work is multi-generational, and when we collaborate across differences, we all win.

‘Wearing Many Hats’

By title, I’m a valuer and consultant in the Valuation and Property Consultancy Department. But my role stretches beyond that. I also manage our company’s social media platforms, carrying THE LASER BRAND with pride. I’ve worked to improve our online presence, boosted engagement, and introduced more creative and authentic content — including team TikToks and dance trends. Why? Because when we have fun together, we build something stronger than just workflow.

We build culture.  I’m also part of the organizing committee. I help plan culture parties, Fun Fridays, and yes — random cake cuttings. These moments of shared joy unlock a sense of freedom and togetherness that make our workplace feel like more than just desks and deadlines. We are a family!

‘A Leadership Team That Gets It (The Real Ogs)’

None of this would be possible without leadership that sees the bigger picture. We’re fortunate to have leaders who don’t just tolerate innovation or youthfulness, they embrace it. They allow us to experiment, to bring our full selves to the table, and to cultivate a work culture that’s energizing and human.         That kind of support is what makes it easy to show up, speak up, and level up. It’s also what makes the office feel like a place of possibility, not just productivity.

‘Final Thoughts From Your Friendly Office Gen Z’

I might be the youngest in the room, but I’ve learned I don’t need to shrink to fit in. I lead with authenticity; I communicate with intention, and yes, I still use emojis & stickers unapologetically.

Because I’m not just here to “add value.” I’m here to help shape what the future of work feels like. So next time someone says “Gen Z just doesn’t get it,” remind them: We do get it. We just refuse to settle for what doesn’t work anymore. And yes, we’ll probably tweet about it after.

Miss Waweru is a Valuer and Consultant in the Valuation and Property Consultancy Department, Social Media Specialist and Events Organizer at Laser Property Services. When she’s not making spreadsheets that slap or choreograph TikTok dances, she’s creating a workplace culture that balances excellence with human connection.