The Power of Ten - 10 reasons younger people prefer messaging over phone calls

Introduction:

In the evolving landscape of business communication, younger generations exhibit a distinct preference for messaging over traditional phone calls. This shift can be attributed to various factors that align with the digital age and the changing dynamics of workplace interactions. Below, we outline ten reasons why younger people are more inclined to communicate via messages rather than phone calls in a business context.

Reasons why younger people prefer messaging in business communication:

1. Efficiency and Time Management: Messaging allows for succinct and direct exchanges, enabling busy professionals to quickly convey information without the need for extended conversations.

2. Multitasking Capability: Messaging accommodates multitasking, allowing young professionals to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining ongoing conversations.

3. Documentation: Text-based communication provides a written record of discussions, making it easier to reference details and agreements, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings.

4. Flexibility: Messaging offers the flexibility to respond at one's convenience, reducing the pressure of immediate availability that phone calls demand.

5. Global Reach: In an interconnected world, messaging bridges geographical gaps, enabling seamless communication across time zones without the need for synchronous conversations.

6. Reduced Interruptions: Messages can be read and replied to without interrupting ongoing work, fostering a more focused and productive work environment.

7. Introverted Preferences: Younger generations, often more inclined towards introversion, find messaging less socially demanding than phone calls, allowing them to communicate comfortably.

8. Preparation Time: Text-based communication allows individuals to carefully craft responses, facilitating clear and thoughtful messages, which might not be achievable in spontaneous phone conversations.

9. Avoiding Small Talk: Messaging gets straight to the point, sparing professionals from engaging in extended small talk that can sometimes accompany phone calls.

10. Preference for Asynchronous Communication: Millennials and Gen Z professionals value the flexibility of asynchronous communication, allowing them to manage their time and respond when ready.

Conclusion:

The shift toward messaging over phone calls in business communication among younger generations can be attributed to a range of factors, including efficiency, flexibility, documentation, and aligning with modern work habits. As the business landscape continues to evolve, embracing these preferences can enhance collaboration, productivity, and overall satisfaction among younger professionals.

Note about the author: Andrew Hulbert is a multi-award winning entrepreneur, non-exec director, speaker, author, platelet donor and philanthropist. The ‘Power of Ten’ summarises Andrew’s learnings across the last decade and looks to share some of the valuable mistakes, lessons and learnings during that time. For a succinct summary of Andrew’s career you can visit: https://www.iwfmawards.org/previous-winners/winner-outstanding-contribution-to-workplace-and-facilities-management-2022/. If you’d like to start a conversation, please direct message on LinkedIn.