OVER THE BAR
Gen Z takes a stand against drinks with co-workers
Is happy hour really that happy? That’s the debate on tap as workers settle back into going to the office — and potentially grabbing drinks with co-workers at the end of the day.
Some young millennials and Gen Zers — who tend to be ever concerned with “healthy” work-life boundaries — are taking a stance against socializing with colleagues.
“I enjoy my private life and enjoy to not hangout with co-workers when I’m trying to relax and not think about work,” Michael Nicosia, 27, told The Post.
Too much gossip
The Dallas, Texas, asset manager likes the people in his office, but, when he’s off-the-clock, he prefers to not be thinking about work.
“When I’ve previously gone out with co-workers for drinks, 90% of the conversation is centered around work, work gossip and the like,” he said.
Some, like Diamond Nelson, 23 and a nursing assistant in the Baltimore area, are “guarded” after bad experiences hanging out with colleagues.
Nelson once invited a co-worker to her home and things seemed fine at the time. But, the next day at work, Nelson heard mean comments about the “lack of luxury” in her living situation.
“Not everyone has your best interest at heart. That’s why I don’t [socialize] with co-workers,” Nelson told The Post. “I’ve seen how things can be used against me.”
Still, there are many who love hanging out outside of the office.
Margie O’Brien, a tech sales rep, said she gets along with co-workers so well that they hang out one or two times a week, even on weekends.
“Not all colleagues like each other but we all do and we know we’re lucky to have that,” the 25year-old told The Post while out to drinks with her work team at the Crooked Knife in Midtown East.
Austin Cheng, a 38-year-old who works in health care, echoed the sentiments.
“I really enjoy the freedom of expression there is with getting to know people outside of work. Not to mention it’s quite relaxing to end a hard day over a nice beer,” he told The Post, while having a cold one with pal and co-worker Alex Tang, 33, at Clinton Hall in Midtown.
“Innovation happens outside of the office too,” Tang, who lives in Gramercy, added.
It’s a good career move
Allison Task, a career and life coach who lives in Montclair, NJ, said networking is a definite upside to socializing with colleagues.
“People are often asking me how to get new jobs. And more than 95% of my clients find their new jobs with the support of their professional network,” Task told The Post. “Strengthening your collegial relationships is essential for a healthy, long career.”
But it’s important to not have too much fun with co-workers, she said.
“If you are known to overdo it, you probably don’t want to bring that problem out into your workspace,” Task said. “When you’re out with colleagues, it’s your workspace.”