This section is The content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article content

Two-thirds have changed aspects of their personality to fit workplace culture, with Gen Z and millennials reporting the highest rates

Sign In or Create an Account

or View more offersArticle content

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.

Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.Article content

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

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.

Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content

Younger job seekers are the most likely to report both experiences:

Article content

  • 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

Article content

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.

Article content

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.

Article content

Story continues below

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

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.

Article content

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.

Article content

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%).

Article content

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.