According to an article in The New York Post, many Gen Z’s—those born between 1995 and 2012—view the concept of happy hour as a relic of the past and Millenials aren’t happy about it
It’s official: Gen Z has no idea what “happy hour” means – and Millennials are fuming about it.
The generational divide seems to grow daily, from fashion trends to work-life balance, the differences between these two cohorts are becoming increasingly stark. First skinny jeans then middle hair partings, but now Gen Z’s are reaching for Millennials by the throats and this might be the final straw. According to an article in The New York Post, many Gen Z’s—those born between 1995 and 2012—view the concept of happy hour as a relic of the past. The tradition of winding down after work with discounted drinks is something that seems to have slipped under the radar for this younger generation, leaving Millennials flabbergasted.
Eugene Remm, co-founder of Catch Hospitality Group told the, weighed in on this cultural shift by speaking to the Post, he explained, “People used to work from 9 to 5. Now, there’s no clear beginning or end to the workday.” He added that for many twenty-somethings, the idea of happy hour might be met with blank stares. This sentiment resonates with many Millennials who remember the joy of finishing a long day and heading out for drinks with colleagues, Tyla reports.
The backlash has been swift, with Millennials taking to social media to voice their frustration. One Instagram user lamented, “Happy hour is a fantastic way to relax with colleagues and build connections outside the office.” Many feel that this tradition is crucial for fostering workplace relationships and camaraderie. Not holding back, some have said Gen Z’s reliance on smartphones is a barrier to socialising. One comment read, “They don’t socialise; they just sit at home scrolling!” Others were even more dismissive, expressing relief that fewer young people would show up at happy hour, saying, “More drinks for the rest of us!”
Gen Z’s offered their own perspective on why the appeal of happy hour is fading. Many pointed out that inflated drink prices make the whole idea less appealing. Ultimately, it’s not as simple as a generational clash over happy hour, it highlights a wider trend in socialising. While Millennials nostalgically cling to the idea of unwinding after work, Gen Z is redefining how they connect, often in ways that don’t match with traditional norms. As these two generations navigate their differences, one thing is clear: happy hour needs a makeover if it wants to stay and keep up to date with Gen Z.
