by Xenia Roman, Piedmont Plastics

et’s be honest, the performance plastics industry, as many other industries, has its own technical language, or “jargon,” which we all utilize to discuss our industry and plastics terminologies. It’s a language that, with time, can become second nature. Easy, right?

Not when it comes to cross-generational communication. Thanks to technological advances, the modern workplace now consists of as many as five generations working together in the same job market for the first time in history.

As more people are working past the “traditional” retirement age, many Gen Zers are entering the workforce for the first time.

The five generations coinciding has resulted in a mixed bag of different communication preferences. Whether it’s the communication channel, frequency or speed, there are inherent differences in expectations. Therefore, it’s crucial that people in multi-generational workplaces understand the best way to communicate with each other. Addressing these differences can mediate tensions and empower coworkers to choose effective communication strategies rather than dismissing one another.

Over time, we’ve transitioned from in-person communications to email, text and chats. With that transition differences emerged in how the generations perceive different communication styles in the workplace.

Each generation has been shaped by the events that occur while they are coming of age, presenting a unique challenge for employers. To ensure a productive and inclusive workplace, companies need to adapt to the diverse generational characteristics of their employees. It is crucial to cultivate a work environment that promotes understanding and effective communication tailored to the preferences of each generation.

The generation one belongs to significantly impacts their decision-making process. For example, a Baby Boomer may not hesitate to pick up the phone and call when they have a question, problem or concern, while Gen Z prefers instant messaging to serve the same purpose. So why are there so many differences and how difficult will it become for all five generations to coexist in the workplace?

A recent article posted on flexjobs.com by Rachel Pelta, found that generational communication gaps are caused, in part, by each generation having a negative perception of the others.

The study examined the communication gap between Millennials and boomers and found that they have more communication methods in common than they realize. However, each generation feels the other has a negative impression of them (lazy and entitled v. conservative and tech-ignorant), which may cause members of each generation to simply not bother communicating with the other.

• Silent Generation: born between 1925 and 1945
• Baby Boomers: born between 1946 and 1964
• Generation X: born between 1965 and 1980
• Millennials: born between 1981 and 2000
• Generation Z: born between 2001 and 2020

As a group, they prefer more formal communication. When interacting with this generation, it’s important to demonstrate respect for their work ethic and financial prudence. Use eye contact and listen. Pay close attention to their body language as it can provide valuable insights into their true thoughts and feelings.

Additionally, members of this generation prefer to communicate face-to-face and may enjoy working in a physical location rather than remotely. Therefore, a one-on-one communication approach works very well.

Boomers have never fully embraced the digital communication revolution at work. Though they prefer speaking both in person and on the phone, a 2019 survey from Notre Dame of Maryland University found that 93% of baby boomers now comfortably use e-mail communication on a daily basis.

Baby Boomers place a strong emphasis on nonverbal communication, often relying more on body language than words to convey their thoughts and feelings. They prefer direct communication and appreciate receiving information without unnecessary embellishments, meaning don’t beat around the bush. It is important to be transparent and straightforward when interacting with baby boomers.

It is essential to avoid using demanding language and instead focus on building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. Taking the time to get to know them and sharing your own background and values can help establish a strong foundation for communication and collaboration.

Gen X values efficiency and productivity, embodying their mantra of “working smarter, not harder.” They appreciate clear and concise communication that allows them to focus on tasks and achieve their goals effectively. Much like the Boomers, this generation also appreciates face-to-face interactions and value direct and honest communication in both professional and personal relationships. Finding adequate work life balance is important to this generation. They appreciate flexibility in their work arrangements and value employers who understand the importance of such.

Millennials experienced events, such as 9/11, the improved technology boom and the great recession, that contributed to their behavior and preferences throughout the years.

Many Millennials grew up texting instead of calling friends and family. They prefer text communications because they can send and expect to receive short messages that get to the point. As a result, they dislike talking on the phone. Millennials prefer written communication and feel that talking on the phone is inefficient. They avoid face to face interactions whenever possible.

To best communicate with a Millennial, be open, keep it meaningful but brief, while providing the most important information. One of the biggest strengths of this generation is their comfortability in how they can mentor older generations.

Due to the faster-than-ever speeds that digital platforms allow, many Gen Zers prefer frequent communications — even if it is just a short text check-in. This can help keep the line of communication open with this tech-savy generation.

Gen Z grew up with texting and direct messaging via social media platforms as their primary communication vehicles. Coupled with the increase of online platforms for appointment scheduling and e-commerce, phone anxiety is a real phenomenon for this group. When short-form written communications like texts, direct messaging or emails are not available, Gen Zers prefer to communicate in-person rather than on the phone.

Consider Your Audience: Because of each generation’s unique communication style, employees need to tailor their conversations with their co-workers, bosses or subordinates. For example, a meeting with a Baby Boomer boss may call for a more formal tone, while a conversation with a Gen Z or millennial coworker could be more relaxed.

Individualize: Understand that as we discuss generational differences, not everybody lives up to the generalizations. It’s necessary to understand the best communication style for your coworkers, bosses or subordinates as individuals. Then, you can tailor your communication with them. Balancing hybrid work models with occasional in-person opportunities can help address a wider range of communication preferences.

Teach and Learn: One of the keys to improved intergenerational communication is a willingness to teach and learn. Because all generations differ in their preferences, there will come a time when each must use a less familiar method. Encouraging younger generations to teach older generations about technology may help erase some of the tech-ignorant perceptions of older generations, while the positive sharing of information may help change the perception of younger generations as lazy.

Face-to-Face: In-person communication can help eliminate some of the problems associated with written communications. Try encouraging face-to-face communications over written ones when there seems to be a problem. If face-to-face isn’t possible, due to a distributed workforce, there’s always video calling — and when all else fails, pick up the phone.

Don’t over think it: Start from the perspective that all employees want to succeed in their roles and help the company. That perspective will lay a strong foundation for building relationships. When you’re confident everyone on staff wants to succeed, team members will be eager to improve communications and work together.

Highlight styles by providing DiSC assessments: While it’s common for employers to provide employees with DiSC assessments to highlight different personality traits amongst a team. As a different approach, consider utilizing this tool to provide new insights and uncover opportunities for coaching and fine-tuning among multi-generational employees.

Get out of the office: To get your employees of different generations to know one another better, and thus communicate better, consider hosting offsite team-building events. Being in a setting outside the office is a good way for employees to learn more about their colleagues.

1. Forbes Human Resource Panel. (2022, April 20). 10 ways to bridge the communication gap across generations in the Workplace. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2022/04/19/10-ways-to-bridge-the-communication-gap-across-generations-in-the-workplace/?sh=4f80c63a3889
2. Mind the gap: Communicating through the ages. NTT data. (2018). https://us.nttdata.com/en/-/media/assets/white-paper/apps-dbc-mind-the-gap-white-paper.pdf
3. Unlocking the power of generational diversity with Dr Eliza Filby. Robert Half. (2023, November 1). https://www.roberthalf.com/gb/en/insights/research/unlocking-power-generational-diversity-dr-eliza-filby
4. The value different generations bring to the workplace. Kinsley Sarn. (n.d.). https://www.kinsleysarn.com/post/value-generations-workplace
5. Caramela, S. (n.d.). Ways to practice better team building. Business News Daily. https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/11122-team-building.html