In today’s work environment, there is a gap between the generations when it comes to punctuality. While older generations consider tardiness disrespectful, it is often no problem for Gen Z. Steve Jobs, known for his strict punctuality, would likely have rejected this relaxed attitude toward lateness as unprofessional.
How do the generations differ? The perception of punctuality is flexible for us. Recent studies show (via Fortune), that many young workers view delays of up to ten minutes as normal. According to a survey by Meeting Canary, which surveyed over 1,000 British individuals in 2024, almost 50% of 16- to 26-year-olds still consider a slight delay as “on time.” However, Millennials view it somewhat differently: 70% of this generation have little tolerance for tardiness.
Why are there differing views? Considering the way younger generations work, the difference is not surprising. Many members of Generation Z began their careers during the pandemic when remote work and flexible hours became the norm. While the older generation views fixed hours without flexibility and strict punctuality as a given, younger generations desire more flexibility to support their work-life balance.
Steve Jobs and His Attitude Toward Punctuality
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and one of the most influential figures in the technology industry, would likely not have appreciated this relaxed attitude toward punctuality. Jobs, known for his strict discipline and efficiency, placed great importance on productivity and time management.
This was Jobs’ attitude: In the book “Creativity, Inc.” (via Amazon), referenced by the magazine Applesfera, Edward Catmull, the former head of Pixar and Disney, shares more about Jobs’ strict attitude. His belief in not wasting time was evident in many of his decisions: Even a Pixar CEO who was consistently late as part of a negotiation tactic was simply excluded by Jobs without regard for his arrival time, and the meeting started without him.
Jobs’ perception of punctuality may seem impractical today, but it emphasized a fundamental value: respect for everyone’s time and the ability to work productively and with focus.
The topics of work-life balance, working hours, and work environment are part of the changing modern workplace. A CEO of a modern tech company defends a 10-hour workday. However, this view does not apply to all generations anymore. Many countries are now considering reducing working hours to improve employees’ work-life balance.
