Bridging the Age Gap: Cross-Generational Communication at Work
The office is one of the only places where several generations have to interact frequently. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, each generation brings unique strengths and perspectives to the table. If you want to play on these strengths, you’ll need to prioritize intergenerational communication in the workplace.
Millennials and Gen X each make up over a third of the workforce, with Gen Z steadily catching up. Baby Boomers are still present, as are some of the Silent Generation. But with this intergenerational workforce often comes communication challenges.
So today, let’s look at ways to bridge the age gap through cross-generational communication so you can fully embrace the five generations in the workplace.
What is Intergenerational Communication?
Intergenerational communication is exactly what it sounds like—communication and interaction between people of different generations, whether that's Gen Z and Baby Boomers or Gen X and Millennials.
Though that may seem simple, it can be surprisingly difficult. Preferred methods of communication, slang, work values, and more can all be completely different from generation to generation. However, being able to communicate between generations is essential. Younger employees need to be able to relate to older employees and vice versa. Communication enables teamwork, learning, and relationship building.
Generational Communication Differences in the Workplace
To effectively encourage intergenerational communication, you first need to understand generational communication differences in the workplace. Here is a short breakdown of each generation and their differences in communication.
Communication Styles
Silent Generation - 1928-1945: Preference for highly formal written or face-to-face communication.
Baby Boomers - 1946-1964: Favor face-to-face communication and phone calls with an emphasis on personal interaction while remaining formal.
Generation X - 1965-1980: Comfortable with email, phone calls, and face-to-face communication and value efficiency; slightly less formal than Baby Boomers.
Millennials - 1981-1996: Preference for concise digital communication like text and email with a focus on quick responses and feedback; less formal than Gen X.
Generation Z - 1997-2012: Strongly favor concise digital communication such as text and instant messaging; value authenticity, quick responses, and are less formal than Millenials.
Feedback Preferences
Feedback preferences are also incredibly important, and they vary from generation to generation as well. You need to be aware of these preferences so you can give your employees the appropriate feedback to learn and grow.
The Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, and Gen X generally prefer more formal and structured feedback sessions like a written report or phone call/meeting. Millennials and Gen Z on the other hand usually appreciate more frequent and less formal feedback, such as regular casual comments or one-on-one meetings.
Use of Technology
Unsurprisingly, each generation has a different level of comfort with technology. Businesses and leaders need to understand these differences and utilize that knowledge to manage communication between them.
Older generations like the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, and Gen X often prefer more traditional communication methods like written notes/reports and phone calls. They are more reluctant to use digital communication methods.
Younger generations typically use digital platforms for communication such as email, text, or instant messaging. They also tend to use multiple different platforms, utilizing multiple means of digital communication.
How to Manage Intergenerational Conflict in the Workplace
With multiple generations comes intergenerational conflict. Knowing how to handle this conflict in the workplace is crucial if you want a healthy and cohesive workforce, so here are some tips on generational conflict resolution.
Facilitate Mentorship and Reverse Mentoring
Mentorships can be a great way to bridge the gap between generations by promoting understanding and camaraderie. Employees from different generations get to learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives, building relationships that would otherwise not exist.
Reverse mentoring can also be an effective way to teach older generations about technology, as their younger counterparts typically have a better understanding.
Host Team Building Events
Team building events are another good option. These events can foster communication, trust, and understanding, ultimately helping bridge the generational divide.
Some examples of team building events that are suited for bringing multiple generations together are Team Synergy, Corporate Survivor, and Giant Mural Team Building.
These activities all promote collaboration, highlight shared values, and cultivate essential communication skills that help foster a positive and inclusive workplace environment.
Focus on Common Goals and Values
Lastly, focusing on common goals and values can be an effective strategy to encourage intergenerational communication.
Employees in the workplace have shared goals and values that can transcend generational differences. Focusing on these goals and values can highlight the strengths each generation brings to the table, fostering collaboration and unity.
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