Workplace email can trigger significant anxiety among Gen Z professionals, who are often more comfortable with the casual tone of social media than formal business communication. Psychiatrist Dr Rajiv Mehta notes that Gen Z digital natives frequently overthink every aspect of email—tone, salutations, sign-offs—and may delay sending messages out of fear of making mistakesThis overthinking can snowball into broader issues: difficulty concentrating, reduced productivity, absenteeism, and avoidance of leadership roles or performance feedback.

Adding to the stress, a ZeroBounce survey reveals that 60 % of Gen Zers use email to avoid anxiety-inducing live conversations, but 53 % still find email itself stressful—and 92 % report that email overload hurts productivity. They commonly struggle with professional etiquette—choosing the correct level of formality, tracking follow-ups, and using CC/BCC correctly.

Experts recommend targeted strategies: tailor tone based on the recipient, craft clear subject lines, set specific times for email, and use professional etiquette guides to build confidence. Additionally, grounding exercises, breathing techniques, and gradually engaging in live conversations can help develop resilience and reduce avoidance behavior. Employers can support by offering etiquette training, encouraging peer support, and fostering a culture where asking questions and discussing communication anxieties is normalized.