The term fail watching describes the growing workplace trend where individuals secretly find relief in seeing others make mistakes. While it sounds harsh, psychologists explain that fail watching is often rooted in self-comparison and pressure—not malice. For Gen Z professionals navigating a high-performance culture, watching someone else slip up can subconsciously affirm that perfection is impossible for everyone, not just them.

Why Do People Engage in ‘Fail Watching’ at Work?

According to research, fail watching taps into a universal psychological response known as schadenfreude—taking pleasure in another’s misfortune. Experts say it’s less about cruelty and more about self-preservation. As productivity expert Avery Morgan notes, Gen Z workers face relentless pressure to perform flawlessly across social media and careers. Seeing others stumble offers temporary reassurance that their struggles are normal, not signs of inadequacy.

How Does ‘Fail Watching’ Reflect Gen Z’s Workplace Stress?

Studies show that 74% of Gen Z employees report moderate to high stress. The fail watching trend highlights how younger workers cope with burnout and perfectionism. In a world of constant performance metrics, watching a coworker falter can act as emotional proof that everyone battles behind the scenes. It’s a coping mechanism that reveals just how psychologically demanding modern work has become.

How Can Gen Z Break Free from the ‘Fail Watching’ Cycle?

Experts suggest turning self-criticism into self-awareness. Techniques like keeping an “imperfect wins” log or doing activities you’re bad at—on purpose—help normalize mistakes. Even setting time limits for social comparison can reduce the pressure to appear perfect. As Morgan explains, “The only way to fight perfectionism is to make peace with the messy middle—where confidence grows quietly, and failure becomes freedom.”