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Two-thirds have changed aspects of their personality to fit workplace culture, with Gen Z and millennials reporting the highest rates
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TORONTO, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Job seekers say adapting their personality to fit workplace culture is important for success, but more than half call the expectation unfair. Despite perceptions about younger workers, Gen Z and millennials report adapting the most, according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.
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For many, adapting is already part of the job. More than two-thirds of job seekers (68%) have changed aspects of their personality to fit workplace culture, while 59% say their personality at work is very different from who they are in everyday life.
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Younger job seekers are the most likely to report both experiences:
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- Gen Z: 80% have changed their personality to fit workplace culture; 79% say their workplace personality differs from everyday life
- Millennials: 64% have changed; 58% report a difference
- Gen X: 67% have changed; 52% report a difference
- Baby boomers and seniors: 75% have changed; 26% report a difference
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That clashes with a common perception: Most job seekers believe younger employees are less willing than previous generations to change their personalities to fit in at work.
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Adaptability Can Shape Career Success
More than 4 in 5 job seekers (84%) say adapting their personality to workplace culture is now considered a core professional skill, while an even larger proportion (89%) believe employees who are unable or unwilling to adjust may not stay with a company as long.
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Personality also factors in to how employees are evaluated and whether they advance. Nearly all hiring managers (94%) and job seekers (91%) say it shapes perceptions of performance, while 98% of hiring managers and 92% of job seekers believe a positive or approachable personality can accelerate career advancement.
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Yet many job seekers question whether personality should carry that much weight. A majority of job seekers (53%) believe it is unfair for employees to have to adapt their personality to a company’s culture. More than half (52%) believe their personality has nothing to do with their work or ability to do the job, including 62% of Gen Z, 52% of millennials, 47% of Gen X and 30% of baby boomers and seniors.
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Workplace Guidance Has Not Kept Pace
Despite the pressure to adapt, less than half of job seekers (41%) say their company provides guidance on managing or developing their personality for a professional setting. Gen Z (52%) Millennials (42%) are more likely to receive that support than Gen X (33%) and baby boomers and seniors (25%).
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Job seekers say personality differences can shape how teams function, particularly under pressure. One respondent said a calm and organized approach helped reduce stress during tight deadlines, allowing the team to collaborate and stay focused.