"Do We Really Have to Eat Lunch Together?"... Both MZ and Older Generations Are Negative

Survey of Over 1,000 Government Officials
Older Generation: "Consideration for Team Members' Burden"
MZ Generation: "Use Lunch Break for Self-Development"

According to a survey conducted among public officials, both the 20s-30s generation and the older generation showed low preference for having lunch at the department level. However, differences emerged in specific attitudes and values.

According to the research report "Changes in Generational Values and Organizational Innovation in the Public Service" released on the 19th by the Korea Institute of Public Administration, a survey conducted in May-June last year among 1,021 central government officials by age group showed that both the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) and the older generation responded negatively to the statement, "Unless there is a special reason, I think lunch should be eaten together with department members."

However, on a 5-point scale, the MZ generation scored 2.23, and the older generation scored 2.70, showing a statistically significant difference. Within the MZ generation, the younger Z generation (1.95) was more negative about department-level lunches than the Millennial generation (2.30).

The research team classified those born before 1981 as the older generation, and those born after 1982 as the MZ generation, which combines Millennials and Generation Z. Millennials were defined as those born between 1982 and 1994, and Generation Z as those born between 1995 and 2004.

Lunchtime scene at a restaurant district in Seoul [Photo by Yonhap News]

The survey results showed that the older generation tended to avoid having lunch with department or team members. The researchers interpreted this as "a consideration that department or team members feel burdened when others eat with them."

Also, both the MZ generation and the older generation responded that "department gatherings are sufficient with lunch rather than evening drinking sessions." However, there was a difference in degree, with the MZ generation scoring 4.17 and the older generation 3.80. In fact, for the statement "I think it is important for department members to know about each other," the MZ generation scored 3.44, while the older generation scored 3.70.

Differences were also observed in work attitudes. For the statement "I do not contact or respond to work communications outside official working hours," the MZ generation scored 2.77, which was 0.26 points higher than the older generation (2.51). Conversely, for the statement "I am satisfied if the team or organization benefits even if it is to my disadvantage," the older generation scored 3.33, 0.39 points higher than the MZ generation (2.94).

The report stated, "As the proportion of the MZ generation increases in the public service, the tendency to prioritize individual interests over the organization is expected to strengthen," and added, "It is necessary to establish efficient and rational working methods while respecting the MZ generation's values regarding personal time use."