Most Gen Z, Millennial workers think these faux offices are acceptable

They are cheating the system.

A majority of Gen Z and millennial workers believe that “cheating” in the workplace is perfectly acceptable, such as napping on the clock or using AI to perform tasks.

According to a survey by Papers Owl, 95% of respondents aged 18 to 34 said that a “bending of the rules” is good, with many participants admitting to being guilty of at least one method.

34% of people surveyed reported attending earlier, followed by calling in sick when they were in perfect health for a day off, starting the day late and “quietly quitting.”

The survey also found that 14% of people used AI to complete work tasks, 11% took an hour nap when working from home and 11% “logged more hours than they actually worked”.

More than half of the 2,000 Americans surveyed also said they’ve “quieted off” — taking a trip under the guise of remote work — at least once in the past year, while 12% said they’ve done it more than once.

But the survey’s authors argued that Gen Z isn’t “just lazy,” revealing that the main reasons behind “quiet vacations” include burnout and limited paid time or not being able or approved to take time off.

In fact, only one person out of the entire voting pool said they did it “just because they can.”

The survey also found that a popular back-to-office procrastination tactic is the “coffee badge,” where workers enter the office only to have their swipe counted, grab someone drinking coffee, and leave to work elsewhere.

According to the survey, 36% of workers were guilty of workplace hacking, admitting to using the method 10 or more times in the past 12 months.

Reasons for this solution include the desire for more flexibility, the preference to work in a different location, limiting office distractions, feeling unproductive in the office, and better travel.

The workplace trends appear amid the rise of “career fishing” — which typically involves skipping the first day of a new job — which 29% of Gen Z and Millennials admit to doing.

But Papers Owl also highlighted ways in which Gen Z can be motivated to work harder.

To no one’s surprise, more than half of respondents said higher pay was a “primary motivator,” followed by positive work environments, family-related benefits and recognition when they overcome challenges at work.