Young workers are increasingly avoiding phone calls, a phenomenon dubbed “callergy” that a RiseGuide survey suggests is limiting career advancement and earnings for 78% of those who dodge voice conversations. While 42% of Gen Z and millennial respondents report they never answer unsolicited calls, 58% must script or rehearse interactions before they dial. This avoidance of real-time communication is creating a professional skills gap, as digital alternatives like text and email allow for editing that face-to-face engagement does not permit.
Why is “Callergy” Impacting Career Growth?
The reliance on asynchronous communication—such as text, email, and social media—is preventing young employees from developing essential real-time problem-solving skills, according to Jaimee Campanella, a productivity consultant at RiseGuide. Because digital tools allow users to pause and edit their responses, the inability to think on one’s feet during a phone call creates a barrier to effective workplace collaboration. Campanella notes that avoiding these interactions often leads to larger, more complex problems than the initial conversation would have caused, resulting in missed opportunities and strained professional relationships.
How Do Young Workers Manage Phone Anxiety?
Many Gen Z and millennial professionals are attempting to mitigate this anxiety through rigid preparation. Adrian Poon, a Gen Z HR professional, told Business Insider that he typically ignores calls from unknown numbers, viewing them as a “blind box.” Poon only engages in spontaneous phone conversations when he is in “job applying mode.” Otherwise, he prefers to schedule calls with a clear agenda to ensure he does not waste his time or the recipient’s time. This trend of “prescheduled” communication highlights a shift away from the traditional expectation of availability, moving instead toward a culture of highly structured, intentional interaction.
Is Technology Increasing Avoidance Behaviors?
The relationship between young workers and their devices is becoming increasingly complex. While many prioritize digital detoxes—using app blockers or “dumb phones” to reduce total screen time—this move toward analog living has not translated into a preference for voice calls. In fact, the RiseGuide survey found that 1 in 10 respondents consider a spontaneous phone call more stressful than a formal job interview or even a breakup. This suggests that the issue is not merely screen addiction, but a fundamental discomfort with the lack of control inherent in a live, unscripted conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “callergy”?
“Callergy” is a term coined by RiseGuide to describe the significant reluctance or anxiety young workers feel regarding phone calls, often leading them to prefer text-based communication.
Does avoiding phone calls actually hurt your career?
Yes, according to the RiseGuide survey, 78% of respondents who avoid spoken conversations stated that this habit has negatively impacted their earnings or career opportunities.
Why are phone calls more stressful than other tasks?
For many, the primary stressor is the lack of a script. Unlike texting or emailing, which allow time to edit responses, a phone call requires immediate, unscripted engagement.
How can I become more comfortable with phone calls?
Experts suggest focusing on intentionality. By scheduling calls with a specific agenda, you can remove the uncertainty of a “blind” interaction and approach the conversation with a clear goal.
Are you a “text-only” professional, or do you prefer the efficiency of a quick call? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our career newsletter for more insights on modern workplace dynamics.