Every generation has its workplace quirks. Gen Xers remember calling a manager from a landline at 6:00 a.m. to report an absence. Policies required that employees had to make the call themselves. Gen Zers can communicate an entire emotional journey through three emojis and a Teams status. Somewhere between the rotary phone and the GIF lies workplace etiquette.

One topic that seems to confuse every generation? Communication about attendance.

"I'm Running Late." Great. Tell Someone.

Here's a radical concept that has survived every decade: if people are expecting you, and you're not going to be there, let them know. You don't need to send a detailed memoir. A simple, "I'm running 20 minutes behind," or "I won't be able to make it in today," goes a long way. The goal isn't perfection. It's courtesy.

As Laura (Gen X) says: "Nobody minds a flat tire… unless it’s your third in 2 weeks. They do mind wondering whether you've fallen into a ravine."

And Lu (Gen Z) adds: "Please don't leave your coworkers genuinely concerned for your wellbeing because you missed the morning meeting."

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Do I Have to Explain Why?

Generally, no. Employees are entitled to privacy, and colleagues don't need a full medical history or play-by-play of your morning mishap. The following simple communications are usually sufficient:

• I'm not feeling well and will be out today
• I have a personal matter to address this morning
• I'll need to leave early for an appointment

Save everyone from reading a text that begins with, "This may be TMI, but I’ve spent the morning in the bathroom and …" Trust us. It probably is. If you need to add additional information to explain how your workday may be affected, feel free to do so in a professional manner. For example, “I have an eye appointment at 10 a.m., and my eyes will be dilated, keeping me offline for a few hours this afternoon.”

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If You're Sick, Please Don't Be a Hero

There was a time when showing up sick earned admiration. Today it mostly earns side-eyes and hand sanitizer. Dragging yourself into the office with a fever and announcing, "I probably shouldn't be here," while simultaneously sneezing, isn't dedication — it's grossly inconsiderate.

If you are contagious or unable to perform effectively, stay home. If remote work is available and you feel up to working, communicate that. If you need the day off, let your coworkers know and take the day off. That’s what sick leave is for. Many states have laws requiring that employers provide sick leave minimums each year.

Both generations agree: nobody wants your germs. Staying home while contagious keeps your illness from taking down your whole team. If you must go into the workplace, consider staying in your office with the door closed and wearing a mask when interacting with others, or coming in after hours so you don’t come into contact with anyone, and then wiping down doorhandles behind yourself.

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Working From Home While Caring for a Dependent

Children get sick. Parents need help. Dogs eat things they shouldn't. Life happens. Working from home while simultaneously providing full-time care for a dependent can be challenging. Sometimes it works. Mostly it doesn't.

Communication matters. Instead of disappearing for six hours and reappearing after 7 p.m. with "Sorry, crazy day," consider: "My child is home sick today. I'll be working remotely and may have intermittent availability. Please let me know if anything urgent comes up." Bonus if you can add, “and I’ve made arrangements for alternate care tomorrow, so I’ll see you in the office then.” This allows colleagues to plan and creates realistic expectations.

As Lu says, "Flexibility is great – but don’t expect telepathy."

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PTO Is A Benefit

Paid time off exists for a reason. Use it. You do not need to apologize for taking vacation, attending your cousin's wedding, or spending a Friday staring at the ocean while avoiding email.

But if you're going to be away, don't spring it on everyone at 4:45 p.m. on Friday afternoon for the upcoming week. Add it to your calendar as soon as you are aware and if you utilize shared calendars, share it with your teammates as well. As you get closer to the vacation, send a reminder to your colleagues of your upcoming out-of-office dates.

A little advance notice allows others to prepare and prevents the office equivalent of someone yelling, "Where is this file???” or “Who has the password?!" after you've already boarded the plane.

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Coverage Is Kindness

One of the most underrated workplace skills is making life easier for your teammates. Before taking leave, leaving early, or being unavailable:

• Notify those affected
• Identify any deadline
• Share where key documents are located
• Arrange coverage where appropriate
• Set an out-of-office message
• Let people know whom to contact in your absence

Think of it as leaving the kitchen cleaner than you found it. Lean on the side of over-communicating. Most co-workers are in their own world and focusing on their own assignments and may not remember that you’ll be out of the office soon. And, there’s a way to do it without being braggy, because not everyone in the office can afford to take their family to Disney or cruise the Mediterranean.

Nobody expects perfection. They appreciate consideration.

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The Universal Rule

Whether you're Gen Z, Gen X, or somewhere in between, workplace etiquette boils down to one principle: <span style="color: #0059ff";>Communicate early. Communicate clearly. Communicate kindly.</span>

Attendance issues happen. Emergencies happen. Sick days happen. What colleagues remember isn't that you needed flexibility. They remember whether you left them guessing. Don’t just disappear on your colleagues.

As both Lu and Laura agree: Ghosting may work for Halloween, but it has never been an effective attendance policy.