The other day, my 20-year-old son came home exasperated.

“Mother (he always calls me mother just to make me sound even older than my 46 years), my boss insists on having a call or a meeting about everything. Even when a couple of Slack messages would have done the job. Why? It’s just slowing everything down?!”

I hesitated because I wasn’t sure if I should answer this now or text him later, or if he even wanted my thoughts at all…but…he had a point and I feel that too as a Gen X’er! 

Here’s the thing I’ve realised, Gen Z doesn’t hate communication. They just hate inefficient communication.

Gen Z grew up in a world where instant, efficient communication is the norm. They don’t need an hour-long meeting when a three-line Slack update will do. They don’t want to waste time repeating themselves in a meeting just because someone missed a memo.

Momentum matters more than meetings. And yet, workplaces are still clinging to an outdated idea that “real work” only happens if we all sit in a room (physical or virtual) talking about it endlessly.

And dare I say it? Meetings are often just performative productivity. 

Why Gen Z is Over Meetings (And Why They’re Right)

They Grew Up with Asynchronous Workflows

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has been communicating asynchronously their whole lives (yes when the term first appeared I had to look it up too). Texts, voice notes, and quick DMs are just as real as an in-person conversation. They don’t need constant face-to-face interaction to get things done.

What leaders can do: Stop equating meetings with work. If something can be communicated in writing, do that first. If a response isn’t urgent, let people respond in their own time.

Meetings Interrupt Their Flow State

Momentum is everything. Deep work (the kind that moves businesses forward) requires focus and flow.

Every unnecessary meeting? A flow killer.

• It takes an average of 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption.

• The more meetings people have, the less actual productive work gets done.

• Studies show that unnecessary meetings lead to burnout and disengagement.

What leaders can do:

• Batch meetings together instead of scattering them throughout the day.

• Question whether a meeting is essential or habitual.

• If it’s just an update? Send a voice note.

They Want Leaders Who Trust Them to Work Independently

Gen Z isn’t looking for micromanagement disguised as collaboration. They want clear direction and trust.

• If they’re given a task, they don’t need to be checked in on every five minutes.

• If they need clarification, they’ll ask.

• If there’s a problem, they want solutions, not status meetings.

What leaders can do:

• Replace status update meetings with clear, self-serve documentation (they can     set this up for you!).

• Trust your team to deliver results without constant check-ins.

• Lead with outcomes, not over-explanation.

This isn’t about making workplaces anti-meeting because sometimes we really do want and need them. It’s about making every interaction intentional.

👎 Old leadership: “Let’s schedule a meeting just to talk about this.”

👍 New leadership: “Here’s the info you need. If you have questions, let me know.”

👎 Old culture: “We need to see you ‘engaged’ in every meeting.”

👍 New culture: “We trust you to do deep, meaningful work without distractions.”

Gen Z wants leadership. They just don’t want it in the form of endless, energy-draining meetings that achieve nothing. They want momentum, autonomy, and real work that matters.

So, next time you’re about to schedule another ‘quick’ meeting, ask yourself:

Could this be a Slack message?

Am I helping my team or interrupting their flow?

Would this be better as a voice note or video update?

Lead with clarity, trust, and efficiency. Gen Z (and honestly, everyone else) will thank you for it.

What’s your take? Do we need fewer meetings in the workplace?