
Gen Z officers suffer from burnout because they’re confused by fax machines and other old technology, study finds
- Old technologies like fax machines cause stress for young office workers
- Gen Z employees suffer from burnout as old technology baffles them, study finds
- Most young workers suffer from ‘impostor syndrome’, only 32% of baby boomers suffer from it
Young office workers are suffering from burnout because they are confused by old technology such as fax machines and photocopiers, a new report has found.
In a reversal of traditional roles, employees between the ages of 18 and 24 – known as Generation Z – must turn to colleagues of their parents’ age for technical assistance.
Researchers found that many offices are still using outdated computers, phone systems and even fax machines, leaving 49% of Gen Z staff confused and in need of help from fellow baby boomers, older than that. 55 years old. So-called “legacy” systems are one of the main reasons. that 78 per cent of young workers suffer from “impostor syndrome”, according to the report.
In comparison, only 32% of baby boomers suffer from this disease, leaving workers wondering if they are competent enough to do their job.
Old technology like fax machines is causing Gen Z office workers to burn out, as machines confuse them and contribute to their “impostor syndrome”

A spokesperson for the study said Gen Z employees are particularly sensitive to the impact of legacy systems and place a high value on modern technology.
More than eight in ten Gen Z workers said they also struggle with job burnout, in part due to frustrations with old technology slowing down their work. Yet only 47% of baby boomers said burnout is a problem because they’re more comfortable switching between old and new technology.
The study was conducted by Asana, which provides work management technology. Spokesperson Simon O’Kane said: “Gen Z are particularly sensitive to the impact of legacy systems and place a high value on modern technology.
“They push back against established standards, hoping companies will update legacy systems in favor of modern technology and efficient processes.
“It’s clear that organizations either don’t have clear processes that Gen Z connects with or have legacy processes that they find cumbersome and demotivating.
“But generations that haven’t grown up with technology in the same way are less likely to be affected.”
The findings are based on a survey of 10,624 office workers in Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore and the UK.
The researchers also found that 65% of Gen Z workers are frustrated with the painstaking search for information about outdated systems that they believe should be available at their fingertips.
Only 53% of baby boomers have suffered from the same frustrations and are comfortable dealing with such issues because that’s what they were used to “in the good old days.”
The survey also revealed that technology is so ingrained in the lives of Gen Z workers that 37% find it difficult to log off after hours and continue to work on phones and tablets. . Only ten percent of baby boomers have the same problem.