GenZ brings drugs and relationships into the office

As GenZ makes its way into the office - 30% of the workforce by 2030 - the cohort is bringing vices along with them. Workplace romances among Gen Z are on the rise, posing potential risks for employers. SHRM reports that a significant number of Gen Z workers are open to dating colleagues, which can lead to complications such as sexual harassment claims and conflicts of interest. While some companies may consider strict policies, others might adopt more nuanced approaches like "Love Contracts" to manage these relationships professionally.

Different opinions around drug usage are also leading to a surge in positive drug tests - particularly Marijuana - according to Quest Diagnostics. Accompanying increased usage is a rise in volume and sophistication of drug test tampering. Gen Z workers are finding creative ways to cheat drug tests, from using synthetic urine to additives, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards the normalization of marijuana use.

These developments present a dilemma for employers. On one hand, they must adapt to the changing expectations and behaviors of Gen Z to remain competitive. On the other hand, they must enforce policies that ensure workplace safety and productivity. This balancing act is becoming increasingly complex as traditional workplace norms are challenged. As Gen Z continues to influence the workplace, companies must navigate these uncharted waters by balancing flexibility and doubling down on vigilance where its a core business concern

Most importantly though, proactivity in policy and approach formalization is critical to manage a generation who will likely cross red lines you didn't know you had.