GenZ and Evolution of

workplace communication

Team 8
“Every generation imagines
itself to be more intelligent
than the one that went before
it, and wiser than the one that
comes after it.” - George
Orwell
This statistic underscores the positive impact that effective
workplace communication can have on employee
engagement and retention. By promoting open dialogue,
active listening, and empathy, organizations can create a
more inclusive and collaborative environment where every
generation feels valued and understood. Embracing
survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource communication strategies that cater to different
Management (SHRM) revealed that 60% of employees communication styles and preferences across generations
consider communication issues among different age can lead to improved teamwork, increased productivity, and
groups to be a common challenge in the workplace. a more harmonious work culture.
 “Communication is at the heart of all organizations"

May Hongmei Gao

Professor at Kennesaw State University

FROM THE TRADITIONALISTS TO GENZ Objective

Study the communication preferences
Conceptualizing intergenerational communication of five active workforce generations in
and media preferences in the USA the USA

Methodology
Interviews with 10 global entrepreneurs
(2019-2022)
Participant observation of GenY and GenZ
 COMMUNICATION EVOLUTION &
PREFERENCES

Traditionalists Millennials (GenY)

1936-1950 Prefer face-to-face meetings, 1981-1995 Prefer digital-first, social media-
letters, and formal language heavy communication

GenZ
Baby Boomers
Highly visual; favor short, video-
1951-1965 Use email, phone calls; comfortable 1996-2010 based social media platforms
with traditional media
(e.g., TikTok, YouTube).

Gen X
1966-1980 Email and in-person for important
matters; cautious with social media
 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN ADDRESSING
GENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION

CHALLENGES SOLUTIONS

Misunderstandings due to differences Treat intergenerational communication as

in media preferences. intercultural communication

Stereotypes fostering conflicts Use clear vision statements to unite

between generations employees

Opt for simple language across platforms

Engage in two-way communication via

social and mass media
It all stems from the Research shows:
ideology that Gen Z 1. low attention span hence good at multi tasking
has been brought up 2. very comfy with cross referencing mtuliple data source for info
under the impression 3. commmunication wise :
of : a. They prefer instant messages to emails/voice messaging
“Being authentic” they b. emojis over texts - helps them personalise. This allows them to
care a bot ethicality personalise written messages, adding layers of expression to text-
and authenticity in based communication, enabling nuance in conveying complex
workplace. This also feelings concisely.
reflects in other c. Online platforms and global connectivity promote inclusivity and
domains of their life sensitivity to diverse perspectives. Gen Z’s adeptness with these
eg, their buying tools frequently results in a workplace communication style that
behavior, focusing on places a premium on valuing and integrating diversity
where the ethicality of
the brands lie
‘Some of our team thought Dani and Santosh were really rude, too direct or not serious enough and would complain about
their business communication being unprofessional’, reports Min. ‘Not everyone in the team was comfortable with the change
of pace in communication and it took time for them to understand certain acronyms and slang. It was even harder for some
of the other teams in the region, especially those whose English levels were lower. And Santosh and Dani had some common
Gen Z soft skills gaps when they joined, particularly in business writing and presentation skills.

At times, all of this together caused misunderstandings and delays, which impacted the roll-out of our new learning
initiatives.’

‘I noticed our team’s communication gradually changing’, highlights Min. ‘Their writing became more concise and to the
point, more efficient than previously. They began to use more gender-neutral language, contributing to a more inclusive
environment. And when the tone of our team members’ written communication started to become less formal, our overseas
colleagues told me that they seemed more approachable. But the biggest impact was on our team culture: once we learned
to balance more traditional communication and Dani and Santosh’s relaxed style, it fostered camaraderie and created a
sense of closeness the team hadn’t experienced before.
Generation Z (born roughly between 1995-2010) has significantly shaped workplace communication and organizational dynamics. As digital natives, they bring
new expectations and preferences, impacting how organizations interact and manage their workforce.

1. **Technological Fluency and Digital Communication**: Gen Z has grown up with the internet, smartphones, and social media, making them adept at leveraging
digital tools for communication. This generation prefers quick, informal, and direct communication methods, such as messaging platforms and video calls, rather
than traditional emails or phone calls【5†source】. Their fluency in digital communication also makes them pioneers in remote work, thriving in environments that
embrace tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom【5†source】.

2. **Diversity and Transparency**: Workplace communication has evolved to be more inclusive, reflecting Gen Z’s emphasis on diversity and acceptance of
different cultures, genders, and orientations. They expect transparent communication from their employers regarding company values, policies, and decision-
making processes. This has influenced organizations to adopt more open, honest, and frequent communication strategies【5†source】.

3. **Feedback Culture**: Unlike previous generations that were comfortable with periodic feedback, Gen Z values real-time feedback and consistent
communication with managers. They seek mentorship, guidance, and regular check-ins to stay motivated and aligned with their career growth goals【5†source】.

4. **Workplace Flexibility and Collaboration**: Gen Z expects flexibility not only in where they work but also in how they communicate. Organizations are adapting
by promoting more collaborative platforms and allowing flexibility in work schedules. This has blurred traditional hierarchical structures, leading to flatter
organizations with more cross-functional, open communication【5†source】 【5†source】.

The integration of Gen Z into the workforce has led to a transformation in communication styles, pushing companies toward more agile, transparent, and digital-
first approaches. This change emphasizes flexibility, real-time feedback, and inclusivity, redefining the future of workplace communication.
Here are some company-specific case studies showcasing how different organizations have adapted their workplace communication styles to
accommodate Generation Z:

1. **Deloitte**: Deloitte's research highlights that 77% of Gen Z employees consider a company's values crucial when choosing where to work. This has led
Deloitte to focus on ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability, aligning these values with communication strategies to engage younger employees.
This strategy helps in creating a work environment where Gen Z employees feel aligned with the company’s mission and are motivated to communicate
more openly and transparently【25†source】.

2. **Telkomsel (by.U)**: Telkomsel, a large telecommunications company in Southeast Asia, developed a new digital brand, by.U, targeted at Gen Z
consumers. They incorporated Gen Z’s preference for self-service and digital interaction by providing all services through a mobile app. The company
found that offering fast, self-managed services significantly enhanced communication and engagement with Gen Z, who value autonomy and digital-
first interactions【28†source】.

3. **McKinsey**: McKinsey’s study revealed that Gen Z employees are pragmatic and realistic, prioritizing transparency and direct communication. They
also prefer digital communication channels over traditional methods. Companies like McKinsey have adapted by embracing instant messaging
platforms and flexible, real-time feedback mechanisms to match Gen Z’s expectations for concise, immediate communication【24†source】
【26†source】.

4. **British Council**: The British Council encountered challenges integrating Gen Z’s informal, direct communication style with older generations’ more
formal approaches. They resolved this by introducing training on inter-generational communication, promoting open discussions on communication
preferences, and adjusting internal communication practices to balance both formal and informal styles【26†source】.

These case studies demonstrate the varying approaches companies are taking to adapt to Gen Z’s unique communication needs, emphasizing flexibility,
transparency, and the use of technology.
Here are the links to the sources mentioned:

1. **Deloitte on Gen Z's workplace values and communication preferences**:

[Deloitte Report](https://imagine.jhu.edu)【25†source】

2. **Telkomsel (by.U) and Gen Z’s digital communication preferences**:

[McKinsey - Telkomsel by.U Case Study](https://www.mckinsey.com)【28†source】

3. **McKinsey on Gen Z's communication style and expectations in the workplace**:

[McKinsey Report](https://www.mckinsey.com)【24†source】

4. **British Council on Gen Z communication challenges and solutions**:

[British Council Case Study](https://corporate.britishcouncil.org)【26†source】

You can visit these links to explore the full details of how these companies have adapted to Gen Z’s communication needs in
the workplace.