FORMER RED FLAGS THAT ARE NOW GREEN
We're spotlighting how certain workplace deal-breakers are turning into new, exciting, and totally acceptable norms.
What do we mean by new norms?
Not too long ago, "sorry, I need to leave at 5" would be career-limiting. "I'm working from a coffee shop today" could be grounds for dismissal. “I need a mental health day,” would have been a shocking admission and request.
Former Red Flag #1 ~ "I Need a Flexible Schedule"
Once upon a time (like, 2019), asking for flexibility in your first interview was the fastest way to get your resume tossed. Now? Companies lead with their flexibility offerings as a competitive advantage.
The standard 9-to-5, Monday-through-Friday model is limiting employers' access to the best of the talent pool. Instead, core collaboration hours with flexibility around the edges, compressed workweeks, and even "work from anywhere" months for concentrated deep work or combined travel are attractive to potential employees.
Former Red Flag #2 ~ "What's Your Salary Range?"
Discussing compensation used to be the ultimate taboo, but salary transparency is on the rise. A survey from CFO.com found that 70% of surveyed employees have discussed their salaries with coworkers, with Gen Z being much more likely than other generations to think there's no problem discussing salary with their peers.
With pay transparency laws expanding in 2024, companies are evolving from seeing salary discussions as uncomfortable to embracing them as opportunities to demonstrate their commitment to equity. Many job postings now include salary ranges upfront, and discussing money openly in interviews is no longer a blatant sign of disrespect. We will admit that we still see resistance to embracing pay transparency as a green flag, but slowly but surely strides are being made.
Former Red Flag #3 ~ "I Need to Pick Up My Kids"
The phrase that once signaled career limitation (especially for women) has transformed into a normal part of workplace dialogue. Caregiving responsibilities—whether for children, aging parents, or others—are finally acknowledged as the universal human experience they are.
Companies have realized that supporting their employees' whole lives leads to better retention and productivity. Instead of the old "leave your personal life at the door" mentality, 2025 workplaces are building schedules around school pickups, offering emergency childcare stipends, and normalizing the occasional kid or pet appearance in virtual meetings. The result? Less stress, more presence, and employees who aren't constantly calculating the cost of their careers to their families.
Former Red Flag #4 ~ "I'm Taking a Mental Health Day"
Remember when calling in "sick" meant elaborately faking a cough? Now, the simple statement "I need a mental health day" is not just accepted but encouraged by progressive organizations.
The pandemic-era mental health awakening has fully matured into a workplace culture where preventative mental wellness is considered as important as physical health. Companies are offering mental health days as separate from sick or vacation time, incorporating "recharge days" into regular schedules, and training managers to recognize signs of burnout before they escalate. The stigma hasn't completely vanished, but it's fading faster than our pandemic sourdough hobbies.
Former Red Flag #5 ~ "I Don't Want to Get Drinks After Work"
The mandatory happy hour—once the cornerstone of "company culture"—has finally been recognized for what it often was: exclusionary, alcohol-focused, and a burden for many. Saying no to after-work socializing used to brand you as "not a team player," but 2025 workplaces have a much more nuanced understanding of connection.
Today's companies are creating varied opportunities for team building that respect different preferences, life stages, and cultural backgrounds. Virtual coffee chats, family-friendly picnics, volunteer days, and interest-based activities have replaced the one-size-fits-all happy hour. The focus has shifted from quantity of time together to quality of connection, allowing introverts (which both of us are!), caregivers, and non-drinkers to participate without penalty. Cheers to that! 🥤
WHAT'S NEXT? 👀
While we're celebrating these positive shifts, we've got our eyes on emerging workplace patterns that might be tomorrow's green flags:
Skill-based hiring over degree requirements - Finally recognizing that talent comes in many educational packages!
Four-day workweeks as standard - The data is in, and productivity hasn't suffered. What are we waiting for?
Mandatory vacation minimums - Some companies are now requiring employees to take at least 15 consecutive days off annually for true disconnection. We love to see it.
AI transparency policies - Clear guidelines on how AI tools are used in hiring, evaluation, and workflow.
The workplace revolution continues, and we're here for it! What former workplace red flags have you noticed turning green? Drop us a line—we'd love to hear your thoughts!