Three Ways to Bridge the Generational Gap in the Workforce

Communication can present unique opportunities as well as challenges. And workplace communication is much the same, especially when navigating generational gaps and the variety of communication styles inherent and preferred by each.

For the first time in history, there are now five generations in the workforce. According to Purdue Global, breakdown is as follows:

Traditionalists - 2%

Baby Boomers - 25%

Generation X - 33%

Millennials - 35%

Generation Z - 5%

The way we conduct business and the way we effectively lead are both tightly bound by good communication. They are relationship-driven. The ability to understand and bridge generational gaps can be tricky. There are days I enjoy working with the Boomers on my teams; on other days, I become frustrated by one or more Boomers’ lagging acceptance of a new digital initiative we’re piloting. At times, I’m energized by the text messages I receive from my Gen Z colleagues; other times, I’m taken aback by their lack of patience and instant gratification mentality. Because I strive to be an empathetic and dynamic leader, I try not to paint any one person into any one generational (or any other) stereotype. I carefully navigate “traditional” mainstream generational gaps because I want to build stronger relationships with my teams, customers and even my fellow c-suite executives.??

Reach Employees Where They Are

As a global events leader, Freeman’s 3,500+ full time employees represent all generations. Even as a large, global organization, our leadership team needs to account for and understand the communications preferences of each generation. Yes, we have standard platforms and protocols — Zoom for video meetings and Outlook for email — but beyond that, we’ve recognized that not everyone embraces every mode of information sharing.?

With more options than ever both in a corporate setting and personal one?— email, phone, texting and social media (TikTok anyone?)?— not to mention the variety of messaging apps and tools, it can be challenging to even choose a method, let alone decide what to say.

Employees in the Millennial and Generation Z age range do almost everything online, so prioritize email or other digital communication. Although Generation X grew up without texting or social media, members of this generation have embraced the technology and are also more likely to respond to digital communication. On the other hand, a Traditionalist or Baby Boomer will probably respond better to an in-person or telephone meeting, as opposed to a lengthy email.

Be Ready for Social Issues

There is a generational difference in how world changes are viewed and discussed. Because Generation Z was raised during an era where social media rallies can affect change, you can expect these employees to be more outspoken on social issues. Be prepared for these topics to arise amongst Generation Z and some Millennials; do your homework and stay on top of the news. Social issues can lead to workplace disagreements or worse, and the more educated you are, the better equipped you’ll be to handle them. You analyze your P&L to see if you need to raise prices to increase profits; bring the same attitude to your staff and be aware of which employees might raise social issues at work, which isn’t a bad thing — unless you’re caught off guard. On the flipside, make sure the Traditionalist, Generation X and Baby Boomer employees in your office aren’t bothered by something in the news or somebody’s reaction to it: they’re less likely to speak out.

Expect More Digital Feedback

If you’re in a position of authority, you probably have a thick skin already. The social media era requires an increasingly thick skin as our society becomes more and more technology-driven. Know that Millennial and Generation Z employees are more than happy to tell you what they think on LinkedIn and Glassdoor. When I entered the workforce, we didn’t have the kind of digital access that’s now available to employees at the tap of a screen. Maybe you, or one of your team has written something on social media you’d be slightly hesitant to share in person; remember that and don’t be offended if you see a company review that’s sharper than you expected or bruises your ego a bit, it happens.

Business, as well as life, is all about relationships: our ability to relate and communicate effectively with our own employees has a direct impact on our ability to serve, retain and delight our customers.