A new trend dubbed “fail watching” is drawing attention in workplaces, particularly among Gen Z employees. At first glance, it sounds harsh: the idea that someone might take quiet satisfaction in seeing a colleague stumble. But emerging research and expert insights reveal a more nuanced—and deeply human—story beneath the surface.
What Is “Fail Watching”?
“Fail watching” refers to the act of observing others’ missteps—sometimes with a sense of relief or even pleasure. Psychologists have long recognized this behavior under another name: *schadenfreude*, the German term for deriving joy from another’s misfortune. While it may sound unsavory, studies show it’s a common psychological response tied to self-worth and social comparison.
When a coworker falters—especially one you perceive as more successful—it can temporarily ease your own feelings of inadequacy. This isn’t unique to Gen Z; it’s a universal human tendency. What *is* new is how openly this behavior is being discussed, particularly in the context of younger workers navigating an increasingly demanding and unstable job market.
Beyond the Stereotypes
Gen Z has often been labeled as “difficult” in the workplace—accused of being rigid, disengaged, or overly sensitive. Yet many of these criticisms miss the mark. In reality, Gen Z is pushing back against outdated norms: they value work-life balance, mental health, and authenticity over the “hustle-at-all-costs” mentality of previous generations.
Behaviors once dismissed as aloof—like the so-called “Gen Z stare”—are now understood as self-protective strategies in emotionally taxing environments. In fact, 56% of Gen Z workers admit to hiding parts of their identity at work, including mental health struggles or personal habits, fearing it might hurt their career prospects.
Why “Fail Watching” Is on the Rise
A recent EduBirdie survey found that 34% of Gen Z respondents secretly enjoy seeing coworkers fail. On the surface, that number may seem alarming. But career experts argue it reflects something deeper: a generation under immense pressure.
“Gen Z is trapped in a 24/7 performance loop,” says Avery Morgan, CHRO at EduBirdie and a productivity expert. “From grades to careers to even hobbies—everything is public, quantified, and judged. When you hold yourself to impossible standards, seeing someone else stumble becomes a subconscious way to confirm you’re not the only one struggling. It’s not cruelty—it’s self-defense.”
This “fail watching” is amplified by today’s volatile job climate. With widespread quiet layoffs, budget cuts, and heightened competition (like Amazon’s recent reduction of 14,000 roles), young professionals feel they must constantly prove their worth. Watching a peer falter—even slightly—can offer a fleeting sense of validation: *“Maybe I’m not failing as badly as I thought.”*
Breaking the Cycle: From Comparison to Compassion
Morgan warns that while “fail watching” may offer momentary relief, it can reinforce perfectionism and burnout—74% of Gen Z report moderate to high stress levels. To counter this, she offers practical strategies to foster self-compassion and reduce the need to measure oneself against others:
1. **Name Your Perfectionist Alter Ego**
Give your inner critic a silly name—like “Perfect Patty” or “The CEO of Control.” When that voice pipes up, you can acknowledge it without obeying it: “Oh, there’s Patty again.”
2. **Keep an “Imperfect Wins” Log**
Track moments when things weren’t perfect—but still worked out fine. A slightly messy presentation that still got approval, a late deliverable that didn’t derail the project—these prove that effort matters more than polish.
3. **Do Something You’re Bad At—On Purpose**
Take up pottery, join an improv class, or try pickup soccer. Let yourself be awkward. Practicing failure in low-stakes settings helps your brain learn that imperfection isn’t dangerous—it’s freeing.
4. **Time-Box Social Comparison**
Instead of banning comparison entirely, schedule a short window (e.g., 10 minutes a day) to indulge in it consciously. Containing it turns a passive habit into an active choice—and over time, you may not even want to do it.
The Bigger Picture
“Fail watching” isn’t about malice. It’s a coping mechanism in a culture that equates worth with performance. For Gen Z—who entered the workforce during a pandemic, economic uncertainty, and heightened visibility on social media—the pressure to appear flawless is relentless.
But as Morgan puts it: “Perfectionism just makes you fear you’ll never be enough. The only way to fight it is to make peace with the messy middle. And that’s where real confidence starts: quiet, grounded, and totally human.”
Rather than judging Gen Z for “fail watching,” workplaces would do better to examine the conditions that make it necessary—and create environments where success doesn’t require suffering, and failure doesn’t mean exclusion.