Is Jodie Foster right about Gen Z? Employers reveal the 'lazy generation' isn't just a problem in Hollywood as they complain about self-care breaks, voice notes and 'calling in sick for nothing'

Jodie Foster's comments this week about Gen Z being “annoying” have sparked a flood of commentary about the generation gap on social media.

In an interview with De Guardianthe 61-year-old didn't hold back when it came to her own experiences working with Generation Z, defined as people born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s.

The Silence of the Lambs star, who is known for mentoring rising stars in the film industry, told the newspaper: 'They are really annoying, especially in the workplace.

'They say, “No, I don't feel like it today, I'll come in at 10:30.” Or in emails I say to them, “This is all grammatically incorrect, haven't you checked?” your spelling?” And they say, “Why would I do that, isn't that a restriction?”

When asked what she thinks young actors need to know, Jodie added: “They need to learn how to relax, how to not think about it so much, how to come up with something that is theirs.”

While the actress' comments caused a negative reaction, some brave souls said they agreed with the Hollywood star

While many people have since defended the youngest members of today's workforce, there are apparently many people – including both employers and employees – who are also eager to share anecdotes about their own frustrating experiences making money alongside Gen Z colleagues. .

On Twitter, someone wrote: “The line 'No, I don't feel like it today, I'll be in at 12:30' is exactly how the younger girls in my office talk.

'They report themselves for the smallest diseases without feeling guilty! No criticism, just very jealous. I've spent my entire adult life doing the opposite.'

Another wrote: 'Spot on. The majority of them are lazy, easily distracted, have a poor work ethic, lack responsibility, are rude and answer to authority, need hand-holding, break down easily, lack common sense, etc. etc.'

Elsewhere, a former boss said they “gave up managing people for that reason, saw what was happening and changed jobs. Good luck to all managers of the future.'

And on TikTok, there are dozens of comedy sketches that show the difference between baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials and Gen Zers.

TikTok is being flooded with clips poking fun at Gen Z's apparent tendency to work less and take self-care breaks

Arise Generation Xer Adam James Bromley regularly covers the generational divide on TikTok, including Zoomer's apparent fear of phones and love of voice notes

Most of these involve showing the older generation that they are serious and capable, with each generation becoming more casual, with Generation Z largely depicted as working from home, avoiding meetings and scheduling events – such as mental health breaks – causing their older peers to turn around. a shade of pale.

Stand-up comedian Adam James Bromley, a Generation Bromley is almost the same as a telephone conversation.

Business expert Kinga Stabryla, owner of marketing agency Brandspire, says she has experienced both the positives and negatives of working with Generation Z. She says they appear 'entitled', but employers need to do more to ensure generations work together cohesively.

TikTokers often voice their opinions on the apparent shortcomings of the younger workforce, with this poster, @godizgoat, offering his thoughts on Gen Z and public transportation

She told MailOnline: 'Jodie Foster's characterization of Generation Z as 'irritating' in The Guardian might better be described as 'challenging'.

'I agree to some extent that Gen Z can seem entitled to workplace flexibility and career development. However, this stems from their broader market access and global opportunities, which allow them to seek a better environment when they are dissatisfied.

“While Foster's views align with popular research, my own experience as someone close to Gen Z differs. I don't find this generation annoying, but challenging and refreshing.'

Could it be that older people in the workplace are hindered by an inflexible approach? Stabryla thinks so.

Foster, 61, who is known for mentoring rising stars in the film industry, said working with young actors can sometimes be frustrating (pictured last month)

'Older generations have often undoubtedly had to deal with rigid structures. Generation Z's approach, while frustrating for those accustomed to a more traditional trajectory, is a reflection of changing times and an evolving understanding of life balance and personal fulfillment.

“Ultimately, it is the company's responsibility to communicate the company's mission to onboard younger employees and explain why certain things should be the way they are.”

On Twitter this week, another employer agreed, saying, “My Gen Z employees are on time to work and delivering on tasks and goals. Maybe Jodie is just a bad boss and can't communicate what someone's roles, responsibilities, and goals are for the workday. Bad management always blames everyone but themselves for problems in the workplace.'