‘Whole new level’: Founder amused after Gen Z hire calls teammate ‘bro’ in office chat
A founder shared a workplace chat on X after a Gen Z hire casually used “bro”.
A casual message exchanged on a team chat has sparked an online discussion on evolving workplace culture after a startup co-founder shared his experience of hiring a Gen Z employee. The post, shared on X by Prateek Sachan, featured a screenshot of an internal work chat in which a Gen Z team member addressed a colleague with the message, “hi @Devin you there bro”.

(Also read: 'I am quitting my job tomorrow': Bengaluru Gen Z declares in viral video, shares update the next day)
Amused by the tone, the founder posted the image online with the caption, “Hired a Gen Z. Bro culture has reached a whole new level.”
Take a look here at the post:
The post struck a chord with many users and has clocked over 6,000 views, triggering several reactions.
Social media reacts to changing office etiquette
The screenshot sparked a lively conversation about what professionalism looks like in modern workplaces, particularly as younger employees enter offices with their own communication styles. While some users viewed the exchange as harmless and refreshing, others felt it crossed traditional boundaries of workplace decorum.
One user commented, “that’s actually a good signal.” Another joked, “I finally cracked how to convince Devin to do the job better lol.”
Others saw the moment as symbolic of a broader cultural shift. One user wrote, “This is new India,” pointing to changing norms shaped by younger professionals and startup culture. Another added, “I really found it funny,” while a separate comment read, “Hahaha loved it,” suggesting many found the interaction relatable rather than inappropriate.
Not everyone agreed, however. One user expressed concern, writing, “I think its not professional,” echoing the view that certain boundaries should still be maintained in formal work environments.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)
ABOUT THE AUTHORMahipal Singh ChouhanMahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More

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