Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is revolutionizing the workplace. As the first true digital natives, they bring a unique communication style shaped by smartphones, social media, and instant connectivity. For managers and supervisors, understanding Gen Z’s communication preferences is crucial for fostering trust, enhancing teamwork, and improving employee retention.
Leading a team in a retail store, restaurant, hotel, or warehouse? Embracing Gen Z’s communication style can transform your team dynamics. This journey begins with recognizing the fundamental traits of Gen Z workplace communication and developing strategies to cultivate robust intergenerational collaboration.
Key Features of Gen Z Communication in the Workplace
If you have Gen Z team members, pay attention to these distinctive features in their communication styles.
1. Fast, Informal, and Direct Communication
Gen Z values brevity and clarity, often communicating through short and direct messages. They tend to prefer real-time updates over corporate formalities.
Example: Instead of saying, “Dear Manager, I would like to request next Thursday off,” a Gen Z employee might text, “Hey, can I take next Thurs off? Need to visit family.” This isn’t disrespect—it’s efficiency! Adapting to this tone can help avoid misunderstandings and streamline decision-making.
2. Preference for Instant Messaging Over Email
Email can feel slow and cumbersome to many Gen Z employees. Having grown up with instant messaging applications like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Slack, they crave immediate interaction and quick resolutions.
A recent study by Impellus revealed that 68.9% of Gen Z prefer texting or instant messaging over traditional email.
For managers overseeing deskless teams, this preference leads to significant implications. Utilizing management systems like Axonify provides instant messaging features, push notifications, and timeline-style updates, allowing for real-time connections across shifts and locations.
Example: A Gen Z barista might quickly send: “Out of almond milk. Let customers know. Already called delivery.” This swift update prevents confusion and establishes proactive problem-solving.
3. Visual and Expressive Communication
Visuals matter to Gen Z. Their communication encompasses emojis, memes, GIFs, and videos, which infuse tone and personality into digital conversations. This approach is not frivolous; it’s an effective way to clarify meaning and foster emotional connections.
Example: When recognizing a coworker’s help in a group chat, a Gen Z team member might message: “Appreciate you! 🙌” or share a celebratory GIF. Such touches enhance engagement and recognition.
4. Desire for Immediate, Ongoing Feedback
Gen Z thrives on continuous feedback. Having been raised in the age of likes and instant updates, they are accustomed to receiving real-time evaluations of their performance. They want to know how to improve without waiting for formal reviews.
Example: A Gen Z employee may ask their supervisor after a training session, “How’d I do? Any suggestions?” This eagerness presents an opportunity for reinforcing positive behaviors early on.
Tip: Continuous feedback does not equate to micromanagement. Instead, it involves offering small, regular doses of both positive and constructive feedback, keeping Gen Z employees aligned and engaged.
5. Strong Emphasis on Inclusion and Social Awareness
Gen Z highly values equity, authenticity, and representation. They expect inclusive communication and are sensitive to language and behaviors that respect diverse backgrounds.
Example: Rather than using gendered phrases like “you guys,” Gen Z opts for neutral terms like “team” or “everyone.” They might gently point out outdated language, not out of criticism but from a desire for fairness.
Supervisors who actively promote inclusive language will earn the respect and loyalty of their Gen Z team members.
6. Comfort With Multitasking and Digital Tools
Gen Z effortlessly juggles tasks across multiple devices and platforms. Switching between apps, messages, and digital tools is a natural part of their workflow.
Example: A Gen Z warehouse employee might track inventory on a mobile app, respond to a shift-change message, and watch a two-minute safety video—all without losing focus.
Managers who provide efficient, mobile-friendly communication and training systems can empower Gen Z employees to flourish in their natural environment.
Tips for Effective Intergenerational Communication
Supervising a multigenerational workforce requires care and strategy. Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z all bring unique strengths to the table. Bridging these differences demands intentional communication practices.
Here are five actionable tips to create a thriving, intergenerational workplace:
1. Use Multiple Communication Channels
One size doesn’t fit all. Offering a combination of communication methods ensures your messages resonate. While Gen Z may prefer instant messaging, others may favor verbal conversations or printed materials.
Example: Announce a policy change in-person during a team meeting, follow up with a visual post in your communication app, and provide a downloadable one-pager for reference.
2. Be Clear and Concise
Strive for clarity to cut through generational noise. Avoid jargon, overly formal language, or lengthy explanations. Speak plainly and vividly.
Example: Instead of saying, “Due to internal adjustments to our operational policy, all personnel are henceforth required to adhere to revised procedural guidelines,” opt for: “We’ve updated how we handle shipments. Here’s what’s changing and when.”
3. Encourage Cross-Generational Mentoring
Facilitate collaboration among employees from different age groups to promote skill-sharing. Younger employees can help older colleagues navigate technology, while seasoned staff can offer invaluable institutional knowledge.
Example: A Millennial supervisor might teach a Gen Z employee effective time management techniques while the younger worker shows them how to leverage social features in the company’s LMS.
This mutual exchange fosters respect, dismantles stereotypes, and strengthens team cohesion.
4. Practice Inclusive Communication
Create an atmosphere of psychological safety through respectful language and behavior. Be mindful of guidance from employees about their preferred forms of address. Make space for all voices, including quieter ones.
Example: In team meetings, ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak, and actively invite feedback from younger or newer team members.
Inclusivity is not just a courtesy; it cultivates a workplace where people are empowered to contribute and collaborate.
5. Train Your Team on Communication Skills
Don’t expect seamless interaction to develop spontaneously. Provide resources to educate your team on communicating effectively across generations, roles, and backgrounds.
Platforms like Axonify offer microlearning modules on communication styles, conflict resolution, and empathy, equipping everyone for better collaboration.
Example: Implement a training series focused on giving and receiving feedback across different age groups. Reinforce these lessons in weekly huddles, celebrating small wins along the way.
Embrace and Grow With Gen Z
Gen Z is not difficult; they’re different. They infuse the workplace with curiosity, creativity, and confidence—but only when communication is effective.
As frontline supervisors who listen, adapt, and lead with empathy, you’ll find that Gen Z is not only eager to work; they’re ready to lead.
By blending modern tools with timeless leadership techniques, you can cultivate a workplace where every generation thrives, contributes, and connects.
Let communication be your secret ingredient for a strong, cohesive team.
