Lucinda Bayly, a millennial founder and director of a PR firm in Brisbane, Australia, has become an unexpected social media star thanks to her relaxed approach to workplace flexibility. The virality stemmed from a recent TikTok video Bayly posted, showcasing a lighthearted interaction with her Gen Z assistant, Lulu Davidson.
In the clip, Bayly appears on a video call with Davidson, who, to Bayly's amusement, is clearly getting her hair washed at a salon. The salon's background music, the pop-rock anthem "Just a Girl" by No Doubts, adds a touch of whimsy to the scene. A caption overlaid on the video reads: "When you call your Gen Z assistant on her 'WFH' day and she answers like this..."
While some might expect a managerial reprimand for such an unconventional work setting, Bayly's response was one of amusement and acceptance. The video ends with Bayly, chuckling good-naturedly, uttering the now-viral phrase, "Go off, queen."
The video resonated deeply with viewers, particularly younger generations who value a healthy work-life balance and appreciate flexibility in their work arrangements. The clip quickly amassed millions of views and a significant amount of praise for Bayly's management style.
In a follow-up interview, Bayly elaborated on her perspective. She emphasized that as long as Davidson consistently delivered high-quality work and met deadlines, the specific location where she completed her tasks was irrelevant. "Lulu is fantastic at her job," Bayly stated, "and I'm incredibly grateful to have her on the team."
This viral moment has sparked a broader conversation about the evolving nature of work, particularly in the post-pandemic era. With remote and hybrid work models becoming increasingly common, the concept of a traditional nine-to-five workday is being challenged. Bayly's video exemplifies a shift towards a results-oriented approach, where productivity and efficiency take precedence over physical location during working hours.
The video has also garnered attention for highlighting the positive aspects of inter-generational collaboration. While generational stereotypes often depict millennials and Gen Z as having vastly different work styles, Bayly and Davidson's dynamic demonstrates the potential for mutual understanding and a shared focus on achieving common goals.