The editorial director at your company believes in the immediacy and clarity that comes from a direct phone call to address issues. The top salesperson favors comprehensive communication, meticulously laying out information in lengthy emails to the team. Meanwhile, the newest employee has a penchant for using emojis — a mode of communication that, while trendy and quick, can often leave room for interpretation and ambiguity.
The workforce of the 21st century is challenging. With four generations actively working together in the marketplace, a myriad of advantages and complexities come with it.
One of the biggest challenges relates to interpersonal communication. Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z each bring unique perspectives, skills, and communication styles to the corporate arena. Bridging the gap between these dramatically contrasting generations is critical for establishing a productive, motivating, and supportive work environment. Let's explore the distinct communication styles of these three generations and strategies for developing effective cross-generational communication in the workplace, so we all know how to speak at work.
The Boomers
Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers grew up in a world of face-to-face communication. Formal meetings, three-martini lunches, and structured phone calls characterize the business climate that Boomers know. As a result, most Boomers respect hierarchy and traditional workplace structure. They also prefer long-form communication such as memos, reports or detailed emails. Most appreciate industry experience and often question the applicability of rapidly emerging technology.
Gen X
Born between the early 1965 and 1980, Generation X is unique: many of this generation possess communication styles that reflect their experiences and values. Often characterized by their adaptability and pragmatic approach, Gen X has witnessed the rapid evolution of technology yet still understands and appreciates the importance of an old-school approach. In many ways, Gen Xers are the bridge between Boomers and younger generations. They value efficiency and appreciate clear and direct communication. Known for their independence and self-reliance, most Gen Xers seek a work environment offering a balance between autonomy and collaboration. Generally, they're more informal in their communication style, easily adapting to a mix of in-person discussions and digital correspondence.
Millennials
Workers born between 1981 and 1996 are categorized as Millennials. As the first generation to grow up with the Internet and its associated technology, they're used to instant communication. Their communication style is characterized by email, direct messaging, texting, and collaborative platforms. They value flexibility and cherish work-life balance, seeking purpose in their work. They'll move on to something else if they don't find their position fulfilling. Having a mechanism for regular feedback and working in a collaborative environment is critical to ensure their engagement.
Gen Z
Born after 1996, Gen Z is considered the first digital generation. Its members have grown up not only with the Internet, but also with social media apps such as Facebook (now Meta), founded in 2004; Twitter (now X), founded in 2006; and Instagram, founded in 2010. They use social media and text messages as their primary communication vehicles. They also frequently use visual content in messages through apps like Snap, Be Real, and TikTok. Authenticity, diversity, and a sense of self matter greatly to Gen Zers, which is why they default to informal communication channels such as messaging apps and video calls. They embrace new and emerging technologies, looking to adopt and integrate them into their business practices quickly.
5 Strategies for Bridging the Communication Gap
1. Flexibility is Key: Acknowledge and adapt to the contrasting preferences of each generation. Use a variety of communication styles, such as face-to-face meetings, emails, instant messaging, texting, video calls, and, yes, traditional phone calls.
2. Encourage Cross-Pollination: Create a collaborative environment where each generation can share their expertise and learn from each other. This offers a workplace where contrasting skills and perspectives are acknowledged and employed.
3. Advise & Mentor: Develop a mentorship program for employees from different generations. This encourages knowledge transfer between generations and allows employees from various departments and varying experience bases to meet and learn from one another.
4. Train & Develop: Offer training programs to improve communication across generations in the workplace. This can include everything from understanding generational differences and appreciating each generation's preferred communication styles to developing solutions and overcoming communication challenges.
5. Adopt Emerging Technologies Logically: Although most Gen Zers may be tech-savvy, not everyone will be excited or even comfortable adopting and using the latest tools. Offer training and support to those needing assistance to ensure a level playing field for all employees, regardless of their generation.
Narrowing the communication gap between Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Zers is critical to creating a cohesive and productive workforce. By acknowledging and respecting the communication styles of each generation, organizations can develop and foster an inclusive environment that leverages the strengths of all employees. Recognizing and embracing the diverse communication styles of these three generations will lead to individuals' happiness, success, and longevity in the modern workplace.
Kathryn Lancioni is a communication expert and the founder of Presenting Perfection.
Reflect AI by Alphy integrates with email to detect risks prior to sending, and flags conversational missteps and successes in real time. If you are interested in getting Reflect AI for your company, contact us at sales@alphyco.com or download Reflect AI for Gmail or Reflect AI for Outlook.