A Gen Z employee’s creative out-of-office video has captured the internet’s attention, amassing eight million views and over two hundred thousand likes on Instagram. In a shift from traditional autoresponder emails, this video represents the evolving norms in workplace communication, especially among younger employees.
Traditionally, out-of-office messages inform contacts of an employee’s absence and guide alternative contact points during their leave. However, in line with modern workplace trends and the digital fluency of younger generations, such responses are becoming more innovative.
The viral clip, produced by Butter Insurance, features the employee Joshua Kessel. It starts with a video of an aeroplane’s wing accompanied by the call bell, leading into Kessel humorously announcing, “If you are watching this, I am probably on a plane to Europe right now.” The video cleverly depicts him sitting on a bench with an animation miming an aeroplane seat, adding a playful twist to the message. Additionally, he shares his email and addresses questions about his return to work. The video concludes with the text, “We’ll be right back.”
The company humorously noted, “Our Gen Z marketing guy set this as his out of office,” underscoring the blend of humour and informal tone increasingly favoured by younger workers. This fresh take on a routine process highlights the changing dynamics of professional communication. It showcases the unique blend of personal and professional elements that Gen Z brings to the workplace.
