A TikToker apologizes for slamming a Gen Z worker who skipped an 8 a.m. meeting for a fitness class

• A TikToker slammed a Gen Z hire who missed an 8 a.m. meeting for a fitness class.
• The video received backlash, with users saying people shouldn't have to work in their personal time.

A TikToker is facing backlash online after she slammed a Gen Z worker who declined an 8 a.m. meeting so they could make a fitness class, in the latest example of the younger generation shaking up the workplace.

The social-media personality, who goes by "Corporate Natalie," cohosts the "Demoted" podcast, which is about workplace shenanigans, along with the TikToker "Corporate Bro."

In one recent video, now deleted, Natalie read out a question submitted by one of their listeners: "When asked to come in for an 8 a.m. meeting, my Gen Z new hire said, 'Urgh, sorry, I can't make it, I have a workout class.' Should this be allowed?"

Natalie reacted: "You just started this job. I don't give a flying shit about your workout class. Also, an 8 a.m. workout class is too late. Workout at 6, maybe 7."

The video has now made its rounds on the platform, with users saying that the two podcast hosts are out of touch and that people shouldn't have to work outside their contracted hours.

Since then, Natalie has made an apology video.

She clarified that while she didn't condone people working outside their contracted hours, this was a salaried employee. The 8 a.m. meeting was scheduled quarterly and put in place so other offices in different time zones could attend, she said.

Alexandre Evidente made a reaction video in the form of a skit putting himself in the position of this new Gen Z hire.

"I have commitments outside of work. I go to the gym. I work out because I care about my health. Sure, I can make a sacrifice to go to an 8 a.m. meeting had I known at least a week before that I needed to go at 8 a.m. Not a day before," he said.

Evidente added that, in the scenario, he should either be reimbursed for skipping his class or, at the very least, allowed to leave early.

Ravin Jesuthasan, an expert on the future of work, recently told Business Insider that Gen Z had "very different attitudes to work" compared with previous generations. They "work to live" rather than "live to work," he said.

This may be partly because this generation has watched on as millennials have lived through several recessions and a pandemic and struggled to get on the property ladder or accumulate wealth.

Some younger workers are "quiet quitting" or taking a step back at work because they feel that hard work could amount to nothing.