Communication in Multi-Generational Workplaces
At times it may feel as though someone from an older or younger generation is speaking gibberish; that their speech is presented in a way that seems foreign to you. There are in fact consistent trends and communication characteristics that vary depending on your generation (Uzialko, 2024; Prasad, 2024). “Embracing the diversity of perspectives and communication styles within the workforce not only enhances engagement and morale but also drives organizational success in today’s dynamic workplace” (SEB, 2024).
Generational Differences and Similarities
a) Baby Boomers (1940s to mid 1960s): Appreciate direct, face-to-face communication. Preferred modalities of communication: printed copy, email, and phone call. Often value a hierarchy and structure. Often prioritize personal connection as well as formal communication. Expressing respect for their knowledge and experience often supports effective communication exchanges.
b) Generation X (mid 1960s to early 1980s): Described as adaptable and efficient in communication and appreciate interactions that are straightforward and concise. Often value emails and face-to-face interactions and adapt well with digitized communication.
c) Millennials (early 1980s to mid 1990s): Exposed to the age of technological revolution. Often value authentic and open communication. May prefer messaging platforms such as email and social media. Often appreciate recognition of their contributions. Often seek interactions that support growth and opportunity.
d) Generation Z (mid 1990s to early 2010s): Often tech-savvy, quick learners. Often expect instant communication. May appreciate real-time feedback, video conferencing, and informal exchanges.
Effective Workplace Communication Across Generations
These communication differences can lead to a breakdown in team dynamic and productivity if left unaddressed. Considering the diverse needs, preferences, and skills each generation brings, it takes a multifaceted approach to support all experiences.
Communication Modalities: Use various types of communication platforms. Offer a choice or alternating schedule of virtual and in-person communication. Include visuals, eye-catching colors, and optimize platform functions such as “raising a hand” on Zoom.
Language Used: Consider preferred language, tone, and medium used to communicate. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, may respond better to informal and visually appealing content; Baby Boomers may prefer detailed and formal information transmitted through traditional channels. Avoid jargon that may limit understanding.
Intentionality: Work towards bridging communication gaps and fostering mutual understanding. Assemble cross-generational teams with different skill sets, while encouraging perspective taking.
Encourage participants of all ages to participate. Let younger employees feel heard. Foster their confidence and comfort in sharing opinions.
Culture: Foster an environment of respect and understanding that encourages open-mindedness and active listening.
Expectations: Establish clear expectations regarding use of communication channels, response times, and preferences for different situations. While each generation and individual may have their own preferences, it is vital to optimize these differences and showcase the unique communication qualities each generation has to offer (SEB, 2024).
Executive Presence in Workplace Communication
Executive presence pertains to your ability to inspire confidence among peers, senior leaders, and subordinates. Confidence relates to your skills in leadership, capabilities, and potential for growth. Focus on communicating strategically, understanding your audience, how they may receive your message, and the actionable steps your communication fosters. Garfinkle (2024) outlines three key elements of communication that exude executive presence:
The Role of Listening
Did you REALLY hear them? Listening is often compromised when we simultaneously prepare what to say next. Listening is as important as speaking; it builds connection, resolves conflict, and ensures successful information sharing. Demonstrate that your main purpose is understanding, not responding.
“The art of effective listening is essential to clear communication, and clear communication is necessary to management success” – James Cash Penney.
Active Listening
Listening doesn’t occur passively. Consciously choose to attend to others without judgment. Consider three areas:
a) Attitude: Approach listening with respect, even with differing opinions.
b) Attention: Avoid distractions or preoccupation with other thoughts, which is challenging for some, including neurodivergent individuals.
Strategies to Support Attention:
1) Key Wording: Repeat or write down important terms.
2) Visualization: Visualize words or create mental images.
3) Consider Environmental Distractions: Move to quieter locations, minimize interruptions.
4) Intentionally Fidget or Doodle: Engaging senses can enhance attention but ensure it does not disrupt others.
5) Non-verbals: Nod, orient body toward speaker, maintain intermittent eye contact, and mirror posture to demonstrate alignment (LinkedIn, 2024).
Ssshhh … Silence
Many clients dislike sitting in silence, finding it uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing. However, silence is a skill with purpose. It supports self-awareness, concentration, creativity, learning, proper breathing, and nervous system regulation. Embrace silence to allow yourself and others time to process information, reflect, and respond thoughtfully.
“The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.” – Mark Twain (DeMarco, 2024)
Research suggests silence can support our overall well-being:
(DeMarco, 2024)
- Heightens self- awareness and concentration: Silence allows for self-reflection and interoception of bodily sensations such as a tight throat or chest or a fast heart rate.
- Supports creativity and learning: The brain requires time to process information, especially when emotion is involved. Allowing time to sit with and ‘chew’ on what you’ve heard can help your understanding, perspective taking and allow space to generate a well thought-out response.
- Provides time to breathe: Breathe is the foundational skills of communication. We should be taking breaths about every 8-10 words. Moments of silence is the perfect time to check in with your breath, where the movement comes from and how supportive it feels.
- Supports the nervous system: When we sit in silence consistently, it allows for feelings of calmness and control. Allowing space for silence can also support your conversation partner, signaling that they can take time to digest, reflect and generate intentional speech.
Lack of effective communication within and across teams can hinder reaching full potential. Consider working with a speech therapist at Well Said to improve workplace communication, individually or as a team.
References
- DeMarco, M. (June 10, 2024). Why being comfortable with silence is a superpower. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/soul-console/202406/why-being-comfortable-with-silence-is-a-superpower
- LinkedIn. (2024). How do you use non-verbal cues and tone of voice to convey active listening? https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-use-non-verbal-cues-tone-voice
- Prasad, A. (2024). How to improve communication across generations in the workplace. Quick FMS. https://www.quickfms.com/blog/improve-communication-across-generations-at-work
- Roy, B. D. (2024, July 16). Active listening; its skills and importance in the workplace. Vantage Circle. https://www.vantagecircle.com/en/blog/active-listening
- Uzialko, A. (2024). Bridge the gap: communicating with a multigenerational workforce. Business news daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9708-multigenerational-workforce-communication.html
