Four generations are now working side by side – with a fifth, Gen Alpha, on the horizon.
Diversity like this is powerful. But it can also create challenges. Different habits. Different assumptions. And different ideas of what ‘professional’ communication looks like.
And as a Gen Z-er, I see these crossed wires spark tension daily.
A quick ‘okay’ in a Slack message feels efficient to me. But abrupt to others. Emoji reactions land as lighthearted in my world. But unprofessional in theirs. And then there are everyday business emails: proof that one person’s ‘clear communication’ is another’s ‘information overload’.
Every generation brings its own communication style, complete with strengths and blind spots. So, to truly click as a team? We need to know where each group is coming from – and what they contribute.
While no one fits neatly into a box, understanding these differences will help your team click, collaborate and cooperate.
Baby Boomers: Structured and thorough
Born 1946 – 1964
Baby Boomers value clarity, context and professionalism. They’re proud of their contributions and the legacy they’re building.
They came of age in an era where communication was more formal and face-to-face. So they’re used to conversations that are complete, courteous and carefully thought through.
That’s why modern digital shorthand can grate. Quick replies or emoji-filled messages can feel rushed or dismissive to someone who values full sentences and respectful greetings.
Many Boomers have embraced technology with enthusiasm (sometimes even dropping a SLAY in a formal email). Still, they tend to prefer communication that feels considered rather than casual.
Workplace communication strengths
- Bring structure and clarity to discussions and documentation
- Model professionalism through thoughtful, well-prepared communication
- Value in-person and voice conversations that build trust and rapport
- Provide a historical perspective to help teams communicate with continuity
Generation X: Pragmatic and adaptable
Born 1965 – 1980
Gen X grew up analogue, mastered digital – and learned to thrive in both eras.
Independence drives them. Pragmatism defines them. They’ll pick up the phone to solve a problem, then jump into a Slack thread to keep things moving.
Gen X-ers act as the vital bridge between worlds.
They’re fluent in both the structured professionalism of Boomers and the casual, rapid-fire style of younger teams. Workplaces need their balanced perspectives.
Workplace communication strengths
- Bridge formal and informal communication styles across generations
- Adapt tone and medium with ease – from detailed reports to digital chats
- Focus on outcomes, keeping conversations efficient
- Offer steady, solutions-focused communication during change or conflict
Millennials: Collaborative and transparent
Born 1981 – 1996
Millennials are digital-first. Fluent in gifs. And comfortable with informality.
But at times, their easy-going communication style can look sloppy to colleagues who equate professionalism with polish.
Millennials have shaped some of the biggest cultural shifts at work – from championing work-life balance to rethinking what ‘professional’ communication looks like. Think flexible hours, remote collaboration and Slack channels that mix business updates with banter.
They’ve also driven a push for purpose, asking why: Why this process? Why this policy?
That curiosity has pushed workplace leaders to adopt new tools and embrace transparency – from open calendars and shared project dashboards to data-backed presentations that turn gut feelings into clear direction.
Workplace communication strengths
- Encourage openness and transparency in direction and feedback
- Share information widely to keep teams aligned and informed
- Use digital tools creatively to make communication more collaborative
- Bring emotional intelligence to naturally build cohesion and culture
Generation Z: Concise and inclusive
Born 1997 – 2012
Gen Zers – that’s me – are guided by social purpose. It’s how we connect. We notice when the workplaces follow through on neuroinclusive practices, give credit where it’s due and own their mistakes.
If it’s authentic, count us in.
That same belief in authenticity shapes how we communicate. We keep things short because we value people’s time. We speak plainly because we value truth. Quick messages, shared docs and visual explainers are efficiency in action.
Of course, directness is not always received how we intend. What feels clear to us can sound abrupt to others, especially in more traditional teams. But our focus on clarity means we’re good at spotting when communication isn’t working and how to make it better. We simplify long emails, streamline processes and find faster ways to get everyone on the same page.
Workplace communication strengths
- Communicate with agility – short, visual and adaptable to any platform
- Champion inclusivity by ensuring everyone’s voice is seen and heard
- Lead with authenticity to encourage genuine, ego-free conversations
- Simplify complex messages to keep teams aligned and moving forward
Generation Alpha: The nearing horizon
Born 2013 – 2025
Gen Alpha isn’t in the workforce yet. But they’re growing up with instant, interactive communication as their standard.
By the time they arrive, speed, visuals and real-time communication will be baseline expectations.
This isn’t a warning. It’s a head start. The more your workplace prepares and practises agility and adaptability now, the easier it will be to meet Gen Alpha in the middle when they arrive.
Let your team’s generational differences become your superpower. Our Internal Communications Training equips your team with the skills to collaborate and thrive – together.