Communication has changed a lot. Have you adapted or stalled?
In today's diverse workplaces, understanding the communication styles of different people is crucial for fostering effective collaboration and minimising misunderstandings. Each generation—Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z—brings unique perspectives and preferences to the table. Here we explore our take into the common communication styles of different age groups, how they impact interactions in both personal and professional settings and provide simple suggestions to start bridging this divide.
Preferred communication methods
If we generalise how each generation likes to communicate, we quickly see the issue. If different groups prefer different methods – finding a common platform or style will be challenging. Adaptability is essential. If you have a message to share, whether you are the CEO or an intern, adjusting your communication style and platform will help get your message across.
Being ridged usually results in poor communication, misunderstandings, inefficiencies and general dissatisfaction. At worse, ineffective communication can create conflict, low morale, increased stress, decrease in productivity, poor decision making and even financial loss.
Lack of clarity is not always a reflection on the skills of the communicator. It is just as much about the way the intended audience absorbs it. Choosing the right style and platform has a big impact on successful communications.
Generational Communication Preferences
Representation of common characteristics across generations highlight areas of commonality and potential differences. Perceived speed and efficiency are key drivers for new communication styles and platforms.
Baby Boomers (Born 1946-1964)
Growing up in an era where face-to-face communication and formal written correspondence were the norms. They value direct, personal interactions and often prefer phone calls or in-person meetings over digital communication. With new technology becoming the new norm – in personal life and the workplace, this generation has embraced new technology. From banking to recruitment, technology is everywhere. Generally, they still lean towards being more formal in their communication, appreciating well-structured emails and detailed memos all with specific approval and review processes.
This group used traditional communication methods in the workplace for a considerable amount of time before digital channels emerged. The learning curve is higher, new tools are launched faster and there is a recognisable challenge to keep up.
Key Characteristics
Formality
Face-to-Face Preference
Detailed Communication
Communicating with Boomers
Schedule in-person meetings or phone calls when possible.
Use formal language and proper grammar in written communications.
Provide detailed information and context to support your points.
Generation X (Born 1965-1980)
Known for adaptability and independence. They witnessed the transition from analogue to digital communication and are comfortable with both. Gen Xers appreciate efficiency and directness in communication, often favouring emails and phone calls over lengthy meetings. They value work-life balance and prefer concise, to-the-point messages. They tend to be faster with communication but still appreciate formal, accurate and structured messages.
Many joined the workforce while fax machines were very much in use, and saw the emergence of computing, internet and emails. It changed the way we lived and worked. They assisted in the transformation of businesses, evolving internal communications at work and with customers. They are familiar with change and how to adapt.
Key Characteristics
Efficiency
Digital Savvy
Independence
Communicating with Gen X
Be concise and get to the point quickly.
Use email for most communications but are open to phone calls and meetings for more complex discussions.
Respect their need for work-life balance by keeping communications efficient.
Millennials (Born 1981-1996)
Also known as Gen Y, Millennials, grew up during the rise of the internet and social media. They are highly tech-savvy and prefer digital communication methods such as instant messaging, social media, and emails. Millennials value transparency, collaboration, and feedback. They appreciate informal, friendly communication and are comfortable with emojis and casual language. They have firsthand experience of more traditional communication channels and are not rattled by outdated or slow pace.
They have been working with previous generations and might have been the drivers for a full digital change in the workplace.
This generation has significantly altered how we communicate. Technology unlocked speed - getting the message out to a huge audience quickly, almost instantly. This in turn put pressure on traditional processes when creating, reviewing and publishing content. Speed was prioritised and formality became inefficient, eroding its relevancy.
Digital first millennials switched the preferred communication methods and there is no going back. They also sit in the middle, between previous generations and Gen Z, often juggle between platforms to ensure messages get through to a wide and diverse group.
Key Characteristics
Tech-Savvy
Informality
Collaboration
Communicating with Millennials
Use digital communication tools like instant messaging and social media.
Keep your communication friendly and informal.
Encourage collaboration and transparent communication
Generation Z (Born 1997-2012)
Generation Z, the first true digital natives, has grown up with smartphones, social media, and instant access to information. They prefer fast, efficient communication methods such as texting and social media. Gen Z values authenticity and visual content, often using memes, GIFs, and videos to express themselves. They are comfortable with multitasking and expect quick responses.
This generation never relied on traditional communication through their education or at their first jobs. The youngest Gen Zer’s were born when Google was invented, the oldest born during the London Olymics. Many were in higher education during 2020-2022 when digital was the only form of permitted communication, in person was banned.
Traditional processes and styles are often alien, it could be the first time they are exposed to a slow, outdated or non-digital method. This will likely create significant barriers. In Australia today, Gen Z makes up 27% of the workforce and by 2030 will be the largest generational group in employment.
Key Characteristics
Digital Natives
Visual Communication
Speed
Communicating with Gen Z
Use texting and social media for quick, efficient communication.
Incorporate visual elements like images and videos in your messages.
Respond promptly to their communications.
Bridging the Generational Communication Gap
Understanding the unique communication styles of each generation is the first step towards bridging the gap and fostering effective collaboration. Here are some ideas to improve intergenerational communication. While I have generalised common traits across generations, understanding individuals preference is key to bridging any gaps.
Embrace Diversity: Recognise and appreciate the diverse communication preferences of each generation.
Adapt Your Style: Be flexible and adapt your communication style to suit the preferences of your audience.
Leverage Technology: Utilise a variety of communication tools to cater to different generational preferences.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster an environment where open and respectful communication is encouraged.
Provide Training: Offer training sessions to help employees understand and navigate generational differences.
By understanding and respecting the communication styles of Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious environment where everyone feels heard and valued. Acknowledging change and then responding (learning) is essential.
Outlook for future generations
Rapid changes will probably get even faster. The next generation (Alpha, born between 2013 and 2024) will inevitably bring new communication preferences to light. They are growing up with AI in the mainstream, it is integrated with education, becomes part of their healthcare and a handy helper for interview prep.
Those born in 2025 and up to 2039 are being labelled the newest generation – Beta. It is almost impossible to fathom how communications will develop for this group. Perhaps they will consign emails to history, entered into the AR museums of the future, noted as a traditional communication method alongside a story of the stone scribed tablet.
Mitesh Patel
nem Partner
June 2025