Social media misinformation raises workplace cynicism among young workers

A recent viral TikTok - GenZ’s Facebook - which has garnered over 8 million views and 900,000 likes, is perpetuating the idea that being a pleasant and high-performing employee at a junior level makes employees less likely to be prompted. The video's creator, Jacqueline Morris, argues that companies may intentionally keep such employees in lower positions to maintain productivity and avoid the costs associated with hiring and training replacements, Entrepreneur reported.

The video's popularity and the flood of comments from viewers claiming to have experienced similar situations highlight the growing cynicism among young workers regarding career advancement. This sentiment is further reinforced by the concept of "performance punishment," where high performers are burdened with additional work and held to higher standards without corresponding recognition or promotion.

However, this narrative runs counter to decades of research that emphasizes the importance of kindness, empathy, and social support in the workplace. Studies have shown that employees who actively support their colleagues are more likely to receive promotions and experience greater job satisfaction. As such, it is crucial for people managers to understand the origins of these false narratives circulating on social media and actively combat them by fostering a culture that rewards empathetic behavior and recognizes the value of positive contributions to the work environment.