In a workplace interaction that has since gone viral, a Gen Z intern’s straightforward request to her manager has sparked a lively discussion about modern office dynamics. The intern, finding herself with no immediate tasks, messaged her manager via WhatsApp: “Reels scroll karun?” (Shall I scroll through Reels?).
The manager, new to leading her team, shared the anecdote on Reddit, humorously noting the intern’s direct approach. While the intern is described as a talented and diligent worker, her casual query about spending time on social media reels when idle struck a chord with many.
The post generated a wave of reactions online, with opinions divided. Some commenters appreciated the intern’s honesty and suggested that if an employee has completed their work, allowing them some downtime is reasonable. They pointed out that fostering a less pressured environment, where employees can relax if there’s no work, could be beneficial.
One user commented, “If the work is done, is it necessary to keep someone under pressure? You can politely say, ‘Go chill and come back, then we’ll review.’ This senior-junior nonsense everywhere…”
The manager, responding to the comments, explained that she was indeed relaxed about the situation, viewing it as playful teasing. She acknowledged that while the directness might be unusual, it reflects a different perspective on work-life balance from the younger generation.
Others expressed a desire for similar understanding from their own managers, with one user stating, “I wish my manager was like this. He f**king scolded me 15 minutes ago because the whole compliance team was on their phones, and I am not even their team lead.”
However, some users also voiced concerns about such openness in the workplace, with one noting, “This attitude is actually cool. Point blank, I don’t have work, so you give her work or let her scroll. I would be worried, though, to say that because someone shouldn’t feel I am not required.”
The incident has illuminated the evolving workplace culture and the differing expectations between generations regarding productivity, communication, and downtime. While the manager handled the situation with grace, the conversation underscores the ongoing dialogue around adapting management styles to accommodate the perspectives of Gen Z employees.