Young Workers Are Avoiding Phone Calls – and Paying the Price

Young workers are increasingly avoiding phone calls, a habit that data suggests is actively hindering career progression. A survey of 2,000 millennials and Gen Zers by the app RiseGuide found that 42% of respondents refuse to answer incoming calls, while 58% must script or rehearse their side of a conversation before dialing. Among those who consistently avoid spoken interactions, 78% report that this behavior has directly cost them professional earnings or specific job opportunities.

Why is “Callergy” impacting career growth?

RiseGuide defines this widespread reluctance as “callergy,” a condition where digital alternatives like text and email replace real-time speech. According to Jaimee Campanella, a productivity consultant at RiseGuide, the convenience of digital communication prevents workers from refining their interpersonal skills. Because text-based platforms allow users to edit responses, many workers lose the ability to handle the pressure of immediate, face-to-face, or voice-to-voice engagement. Campanella notes that avoiding difficult conversations frequently leads to larger professional problems, as workers miss out on the nuance and speed of direct discussion.

How does the job market influence phone anxiety?

Despite the anxiety, the competitive job market is forcing some young professionals to adapt. Adrian Poon, a Gen Z HR worker, told Business Insider that he only answers unknown numbers when he is in “job applying mode.” Poon, who relies on text messages for most professional communication, admits that an unexpected call feels like opening a “blind box.” He avoids cold-calling recruiters, preferring instead to secure pre-scheduled calls with clear agendas. This structured approach allows him to manage his anxiety by knowing exactly what questions to ask before the phone rings.

Are digital detoxes changing communication habits?

While many young workers are turning to “dumb phones” or app-blocking tools to curb screen time, this shift does not necessarily equate to more phone calls. The trend toward digital minimalism aims to reduce notification fatigue rather than foster traditional voice communication. Even as workers seek to be more conscious of their device usage, the preference for asynchronous messaging remains dominant. The tension between wanting to disconnect from social media and needing to be reachable for employment creates a unique, often conflicting, relationship with the smartphone.

Pro Tips for Overcoming Call Anxiety

• Prepare an agenda: Write down your primary goal and three key questions before dialing.
• Schedule in advance: Use digital calendars to set a clear time for a voice call, removing the “blind box” element.
• Start small: Practice by calling a friend or a service provider where the stakes are lower than a professional interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “callergy”?

Callergy is a term coined by RiseGuide to describe the growing psychological reluctance among younger generations to engage in spoken communication over the phone, often resulting in the preference for texts, emails, or social media messages.

Does avoiding phone calls hurt my career?

Yes. According to the RiseGuide survey, 78% of people who avoid spoken conversations report that the habit has negatively affected their earnings or career opportunities.

Why is a spontaneous call more stressful than a job interview?

Many young workers find spontaneous calls stressful because they lack the ability to script or edit their responses in real-time, unlike a job interview where the subject matter is often known in advance.

Are you struggling to break the habit of avoiding calls? Share your experiences in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on navigating the modern workplace.