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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider VIRAL: TikToker 'Corporate Natalie' sparks controversy by criticizing Gen Z work habits

VIRAL: TikToker 'Corporate Natalie' sparks controversy by criticizing Gen Z work habits

Should you work beyond your working hours?

Published Feb 8, 2024 09:09 am
VIRAL: TikToker ‘Corporate Natalie’ sparks controversy by criticizing Gen Z work habits

A TikTok video of “Demoted” podcast show, hosted by TikTokers Natalie Marie and Ross Pomerantz, has sparked a heated discussion online about whether it's okay to refuse a meeting scheduled beyond your regular work hours. The discussion focuses on workplace boundaries and after-hours expectations. 

In a video that has been removed, Natalie reads a message where her Gen Z employee declines an 8 a.m. meeting due to a workout class. “When asked to come in for an 8 a.m meeting, my Gen Z new hire said, 'Ugh, sorry I can't make it. I have a workout class.' Should this be allowed?"

Natalie and Ross both replied to the message, expressing disbelief. Ross says, "My visceral reaction was are you f

** kidding me?" Natalie agrees, criticising the timing of a workout class for someone who just started a new job.

@trekfit #stitch with @Demoted huhhhhh?#corporatelife #gymrat #worklifebalance ♬ original sound - Alexandre Evidente

On Jan. 26, the video was stitched by TikToker Alexandre Evidante, with more than 36 million views on TikTok as of writing. He expressed his perspective on the matter, suggesting that employees shouldn't be obliged to work beyond regular hours and give up personal commitments suddenly. “I made that very clear with human resources because I have commitments outside of work. I go to the gym, I work out because I care about my health.”

Comments.jpg

Commenters quickly expressed support for Alexandre, with a few agreeing with Natalie in this situation.

A couple of hours after Alexandre's video was posted, Natalie shared a response video, writing in the caption. "Want to clarify that Alexandre is in no way affiliated with us, but completely agree with the points he's bringing up. You should absolutely not be going into work when you aren't being compensated for it."

@demotedpodcast #stitch with @Alexandre Evidente ♬ original sound - Demoted

She provides additional context for the original podcast clip, explaining that it's a story submitted by a listener who works in consulting, and includes the email containing the extra details.

@trekfit Follow up to @Alexandre Evidente . Want to clear things up. Skits are a type of content I make to deliver a message that comes from within- I will make it clearer next time. #corporatelife #gymrat #worklifebalance ♬ original sound - Alexandre Evidente

The day after posting Alexandre's first reaction to the Demoted podcast's video, he shared a follow-up video, explaining that his viral response was just a skit. "That video that I made was my genuine reaction to the situation in the form of a skit. I should have made that clear. And I'm sorry."

He explained that creating the video aimed to encourage individuals to speak up for themselves and establish work boundaries, particularly for the sake of their health. "I made that video to empower people to speak up for themselves and set boundaries at work, especially if it's for your health. I know people who skip meals, lunches, and sit for eight hours straight, starving and overworked and basically sacrificing their own well-being for their job. And it should not be like that."

Some were surprised to discover his viral video was just a skit, while others were surprised that some believed it was genuine.

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