Outdated boomer workplace habits that would make modern employees quit on the spot.
The workplace has evolved drastically since the days of typewriters, three-martini lunches, and secretarial pools. While boomers built their careers in a world of rigid hierarchies, long hours, and unspoken office rules, younger generations have pushed back—demanding better work-life balance, inclusivity, and basic respect. Some old-school workplace habits, once considered normal, would send today’s employees running for the door.
Check out these workplace customs from the ‘Mad Men’ era that would never fly in a modern office.
1. Drinking on the job was totally normal.
Back in the day, having a fully stocked bar in the office wasn’t just acceptable—it was expected. Business deals were made over whiskey, and lunchtime martinis were standard practice in industries like advertising, law, and finance.
Today, showing up tipsy to a meeting would be a career-ending move. With stricter workplace policies and a greater focus on productivity, alcohol at work is now mostly reserved for office happy hours—off the clock.
2. Smoking… literally everywhere.
Before workplace smoking bans, it was common for offices to be filled with cigarette smoke from morning to night. Executives lit up in meetings, ashtrays sat on every desk, and non-smokers just had to deal with it.
Modern employees, who are used to clean air and designated smoking areas, would be horrified at the thought of working in a smoke-filled cubicle. The idea of breathing in secondhand smoke all day is enough to make today’s workforce stage a walkout.
3. No such thing as work-life balance.
For boomers, the concept of work-life balance barely existed, according to Karbon. Long hours and weekend work were seen as signs of dedication, not burnout. Leaving right at 5:00 p.m. was often frowned upon, and vacations? Many employees felt pressured to skip them or stay plugged in.
Modern employees value flexibility and personal time. Companies that still push “hustle culture” over mental health find themselves struggling with retention as workers seek out jobs that respect their time outside the office.
4. Rampant workplace sexism was just business as usual.
The ‘Mad Men’ era was a nightmare for women in the workplace. Secretaries were expected to fetch coffee and tolerate inappropriate comments, and promotions for women were rare. Men openly joked about their female colleagues, and maternity leave? Barely an option.
Today, gender discrimination lawsuits, harassment policies, and diversity initiatives have changed the landscape. The kind of behavior that was once dismissed as “locker room talk” is now a fireable offense.
5. The boss had total, unquestioned authority.
Boomer workplaces followed strict hierarchies, where whatever the boss said was law. Challenging authority or speaking up in a meeting was often seen as insubordination rather than initiative.
Today’s employees expect collaboration and transparency. Open-door policies, feedback loops, and leadership accountability are now the norm, and a boss who rules with an iron fist will quickly lose respect—and talent.
6. Performance reviews were brutal (or nonexistent).
Back in the day, you either got a vague, meaningless pat on the back once a year or a harsh, one-sided critique that left you feeling demoralized. There was little focus on professional development—just whether you were meeting expectations.
Modern employees thrive on continuous feedback, coaching, and career growth. One big, intimidating performance review per year isn’t enough anymore—people want clear goals, mentorship, and a path forward.
7. Office gossip and backstabbing were part of the culture.
In many boomer-era workplaces, office politics were ruthless. Colleagues were pitted against each other, favoritism was rampant, and backstabbing was often the way to climb the corporate ladder.
Today, toxic work environments don’t last long. Employees expect workplace cultures built on respect, collaboration, and psychological safety. Any company that fosters cutthroat competition will see high turnover and low morale.
8. “Just tough it out” was the response to stress and burnout.
Mental health wasn’t a workplace concern in the boomer era. If you were stressed, overwhelmed, or struggling, the expectation was to “man up” and push through. Taking a mental health day was unheard of, and discussing workplace stress was seen as a weakness.
Modern workplaces (at least the good ones) acknowledge that mental health impacts performance and well-being. Employees now expect benefits like wellness programs, mental health support, and a culture that doesn’t glorify overwork.
9. Diversity and inclusion weren’t even considered.
In the boomer era, most workplaces were overwhelmingly white, male-dominated, and resistant to change. Hiring biases were rampant, and terms like “diversity initiatives” or “inclusive leadership” didn’t exist.
Today, businesses that fail to embrace diversity struggle to attract top talent. Inclusive hiring practices, unconscious bias training, and equitable leadership are now standard expectations, not optional extras.
10. Your salary was a secret (and raises were a mystery).
Salary transparency was non-existent in the boomer workforce. You weren’t supposed to discuss your pay, and many employees had no idea if they were being underpaid compared to their peers. Raises were inconsistent, and negotiating salary was often frowned upon.
Now, employees openly discuss pay, use online resources to compare salaries, and demand fair compensation. Companies that resist salary transparency find themselves losing employees to workplaces that embrace open and equitable pay structures.
11. Leaving a job was seen as disloyal.
Boomers were often expected to stick with one company for decades, climbing the corporate ladder slowly and steadily. Job-hopping was seen as a sign of instability, and leaving a job too soon could hurt your reputation.
Today, employees prioritize career growth, better opportunities, and work-life balance over loyalty to a single employer. If a company doesn’t offer competitive benefits or a healthy work culture, workers have no hesitation about moving on.