New research paints a concerning picture for workplace relationships in 2025, with inter-generational friction playing a key role. over 1,000 UK office-based workers to find out about their workplace relationships and experiences.*

Over a quarter (27%) of Gen Z office workers (aged 18-27) would describe their workplace relationships on the whole to be negative, while the same could be said for just 16% of millennials (aged 28-42), 20% of Gen X (aged 44-59), and 13% of boomers (aged between 60-78).  

When respondents were questioned about the reasons behind their negative relationships, ‘differences in communication’ was cited as a top-three issue for every generation. This was felt most widely by Gen Z office workers, with almost three quarters (74%) feeling that this played a role. 

Differences in work styles also came up frequently, cited as a top-three source of friction by Gen Z, millennial and Gen X office workers. Meanwhile, boomers’ top bug bears with colleagues aside from communication were ‘priorities and workloads’ (cited by 57%) and ‘work ethic and commitment’ (56%). 

The research also revealed workplace tensions around differences in values and beliefs for younger entrants to the workplace. Of the Gen Z office workers experiencing negative workplace relationships, 70% said that colleagues’ attitudes towards sustainability were a source of friction, while two thirds (66%) said the same towards attitudes towards diversity, equality and inclusion. This was also felt somewhat by millennial workers, with 64% saying they experience friction with colleagues over DEI and 61% over sustainability. 

Commenting on the research, Tina Benson, founder at managing director at Team Tactics, said: “The research highlights some clear inter-generational friction in the workplace at all levels, but it’s the Gen Z cohort that feel their relationships are suffering the most. Considering that the majority of Gen Z employees had a strange introduction to the workplace – with the Covid years bringing a mix of remote and hybrid working – it’s possible that younger colleagues still don’t feel as well integrated into the workforce, having had significantly less face-to-face time with colleagues. 

“It’s clear that, to improve team dynamics and relationships, employers need to invest in team communication and collaboration, getting colleagues to work together more effectively. A four-generation workforce can bring many advantages with a vast accumulation of different perspectives, experiences, knowledge and skills – but there are fundamental issues that need addressing before businesses can effectively tap into this potential.” 

*Research from Teamtactics – download the report here.