We have heard it time and time again—Millennials and Gen-Z workers want everything handed to them on a silver platter. I do not think that’s true. Over the next 10 years, over 1.3 billion Gen-Zer’s will join Millennials in the workforce, and what they are asking for is change. To attract and retain the best and brightest of these generations, employers will need to attain a different mindset that focuses on robust training and leadership programs while embracing diversity.
They Want Constant Communication
Gone are the days of waiting five to ten business days to hear back from an email. The younger generations prefer in-person communication as a way to touch base with their managers. They want clear communication and consistent feedback. Youths and adults emerging into the job market are looking to their managers to provide the proper guidance on how to excel and grow.
It might feel appropriate to contact your younger employees over Slack, Gmail, a text, or even a Facebook message—but you would be wrong. A large percentage of Gen Zers insist that honesty and integrity are the most important qualities for a manager to have, and it’s easier to demonstrate these qualities through “in-person” interactions—face-to-face, Zoom, FaceTime, and the like.
Younger Generations Will Reach Out With Ideas
It’s not unusual for a manager or CEO to tell their employees, “my office door is always open” or “message me with your ideas!” But don’t be surprised when you get them. Younger generations are highly competitive and bursting with new ideas. They can and will communicate their ideas whenever possible to stay relevant in the current marketplace.
It’s up to the employers to understand that Gen-Z and Millennials are not breaking old, unspoken communication rules. Younger employees are less willing to do ‘code-switching’ than previous generations and want to create a more inclusive workplace where language and tone clearly express their intentions.
Understanding how to communicate is critical in making connections, fostering relationships, and shaping culture. It’s important to share communication rules and norms with new recruits, so they understand how corporate environments work, but keep your mind open to embracing Gen-Z preferences.
Millennials and Generation Z are going to change the way businesses communicate in the future. If you want to prepare yourself for the future, visit my website and sign up for my Maestro Sessions, where I will help you understand communication challenges and persevere through them. Visit my website to also connect with like-minded business people to collaborate and share your strategies for success.
