94% of Generation Z Say "Actually, We Prefer This"... The Surprising Analog Revival in Today's Workplaces [Z Gold Around the World]

Millennials & Gen Z Office Workers Fatigued by Digital Notifications
"Handwritten Notes During Meetings Help Focus and Memory"
Personalizing Desks with Accessories That Reflect Their Tastes

Editor's NoteGeneration Z (those born in the late 1990s to early 2010s) is attracting attention as a generation that leads trends and shapes new standards across society in this rapidly changing era. In [Z Gold Around the World], we spotlight the lives and values of Generation Z worldwide, looking at how they are reshaping society.

Among American Generation Z office workers, there is a growing trend of rediscovering analog tools such as Post-it notes. Feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of work notifications, many are opting for analog ways to handle their work, including writing memos by hand and making to-do lists on paper. Some are also decorating their workspaces using office supplies and personal items to express their tastes and individuality.

Among American Generation Z office workers, there is a growing movement to rediscover analog tools such as Post-it notes. Getty Images

"Generation Z is bringing pens and paper back to the office"

Recently, the US business outlet Business Insider published an article titled "Generation Z is bringing pens and paper back to the office," highlighting the trend of analog office supplies gaining traction among young employees. The outlet noted, "Generation Z office workers are returning to low-tech tools, which are the very opposite of the latest technology," adding, "Premium notebooks, colorful desk pads, handwritten notes, and Post-it notes are representative examples."

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In fact, according to a survey conducted last month by office supply company Quill, 94% of Generation Z and Millennial employees said they find it more satisfying to physically cross off items on a paper to-do list rather than marking them complete digitally. Additionally, about one-third of respondents said that the endless barrage of notifications from tools like Slack and email made them want to work in a more analog way. Regarding this, Quill CEO Gil Grandbois stated, "They are twice as likely as Baby Boomers to keep a journal or take handwritten notes during meetings."

Among various analog items, the preference for Post-it notes among younger employees was especially pronounced. 56% of Generation Z office workers said they prefer leaving a Post-it note for a colleague over sending a direct message. HR manager Jessie Ray also picked Post-it notes as one of her favorite office items. Instead of documenting everything in Google Docs, she said she uses Post-its to record meeting notes or to stick to-do lists on her monitor.

Ray said, "Handwriting helps me concentrate better and remember information more effectively than typing," she said. "It feels much more natural than struggling to keep up with a conversation on the keyboard." She added, "It may seem trivial, but being able to write by hand is something that truly enhances my quality of life."

"I decorate my own desk"... Personalizing the workspace

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Getty Images Bank

The trend is expanding beyond simply using analog tools for work, with more people attempting to personalize their workspace using these items. Instead of only keeping work essentials, many are displaying their favorite accessories and stationery, expressing their tastes and turning their desks into personal spaces.

Calvin Lee, who works at an animation-related company in San Francisco, also said that having a personal area at the office is important to him. "As an animation fan, I enjoy decorating my space myself," he said. "I like thinking about how to make my workspace both functional and comfortable, as well as a place that shows things I love."

On Lee’s desk are Pokémon Post-it notes, Marvel fidget toys, and a laptop covered in stickers. Practical items like lip balm and eye drops also have their place. "It's also fun to see how everyone personalizes their own space," he added.

Experts say that Generation Z is moving away from uniform work practices and instead working in ways that suit them best.

Professor Leah M. Omilion-Hodges of the University of Michigan commented, "The trend of decorated notebooks, stickers, and personalized desk spaces goes beyond simple aesthetics," and added, "They're moving away from the rigid idea that there’s only one correct way to work. Instead, they're choosing to accept that there are many different ways to succeed at work."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.