Wilmington, DE February 6th, 2025- A study of 2,000 Americans aged 18-34 highlights generational shifts in workplace behaviors, mental health priorities, and attitudes toward flexibility.
A new study conducted by PapersOwl reveals the growing prevalence of career catfishing — a trend where individuals accept job offers but show up for only one day or not at all. This behavior, alongside quiet quitting, coffee badging, and quiet vacationing, reflects a generational shift among Gen Z and young Millennials toward prioritizing flexibility, mental health, and autonomy over traditional workplace expectations.
Workplace Hacks or Red Flags: Let’s See Some Stats
The survey uncovered surprising statistics about workplace behaviors:
- 29% of Gen Z and Millennials admit to career catfishing.
- 95% of respondents believe workplace “cheating,” such as clocking out early or napping during work hours, is acceptable.
- 51% have quietly vacationed, taking time off without notifying their manager.
Statistics it is, let’s look at the reasons behind such an anxious trend.
First of all, the PapersOwl team investigated anxiety and mental health implications. The modern workplace is a quest or people searching for a work-life balance. No wonder it creates daily pressure one would like to omit. Plus, social media expectations add to the share. As a result, this all contributes to the anxiety that fuels behaviors like career catfishing or quiet vacationing.
Career Catfishing as a Social and Cultural Phenomenon
Based on PapersOwl research, Gen Z representatives believe it’s OK to start late without notice, call in sick when not actually ill to take an unplanned day off, or use company tools for other freelance projects.
Key trends driving these behaviors include:
- Desire for flexibility and autonomy (66% of coffee badgers cite this as their reason).
- Mental strain and burnout, with 46% citing stress as the reason behind quiet vacationing.
- The decline in workplace loyalty as influenced by social media trends like “hustle culture” and “soft life.”
Michiell L Malit, VP of Career Development at CraftResumes, commented on this:
“Based on our experience, a larger cultural trend toward work-life balance and purpose-driven employment is reflected in this generation’s propensity for taking chances and giving emotional and environmental compatibility top priority when choosing a vocation.
The predilection of Gen Z for overt disengagement—such as leaving work early, taking naps, or beginning late—indicates a quicker reaction to fatigue or discontent. Their emphasis on upholding personal boundaries and bucking conventional workplace expectations may be the cause of this behavior, which is consistent with their larger focus on mental health and wellbeing.”
For a full breakdown of career catfishing trends, infographics, and actionable advice for employers, visit here.
A Few Words About PapersOwl
PapersOwl is a platform dedicated to empowering students with a variety of academic resources. It offers tools such as plagiarism checkers, thesis statement generators, personalized support, and professional writing and proofreading. PapersOwl is committed to helping students navigate their academic challenges with quality, originality, and timely delivery.
