This generation is changing how we communicate at work… and that’s a great thing.
Gen Z is a significant part of the workforce. One in four workers was born after 1996. McKinsey estimates that 40% of global consumers are Gen Z. Already we are seeing the effects of Gen Z on the world and at work, particularly in communication. We think it is great.
These are the characteristics of Generation Z. It is the first generation to be “digital native”, is more diverse than any other, and is more educated than the rest, according the Pew Research Center. Gen Z members are more casual, authentic and more likely bring their own self to work. Employers are reacting: Instead of asking these young workers to adapt to a professional setting, they are changing to meet them right where they are.
These are three ways Gen Z influences our workplace. How has communication changed and why we are better because of it.
Generation Z values honesty and authenticity at work. Generation Z values honesty and authenticity at work. This is evident in how they dress, speak, and what they share with colleagues. Pew says Gen Z has a front row seat at life-altering events such as September 11, wars “forever”, climate change and a global pandemic.
This generation is conscious of its impact on the economy and employment and doesn’t waste any time getting started. They value direct and honest communication and interactions “in person”. According to the BBC, researchers found that calls made via Zoom or other web-based tools are not considered “in person” by these people. This results in more productive conversations between executives about creating a more welcoming workplace and less rigid standards for dress and grooming.
What is profit? Artifacts such as core values are prominently displayed on corporate website, more written communication with well-thought-out “TL: DR” summaries (“too long; wasn’t read”) summaries and in-app friendly writing. This creates a shared understanding of what it takes to be a professional.
Gen Z was the first generation to have a smartphone. Gen Z is more likely to have their own style, such as clear handwriting, acronyms and abbreviations, and emojis that convey emotions, with them at all times. They are more likely than others to say “That’s fire” (which is a sign that it’s cool) or “KWIM” (“Do you understand what I mean?”). You can also use an imp emoji, which represents anger, evil or devilish behavior, to ask your coworker or boss (or client) for a well-written email.
What’s the advantage? It doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s possible to get to the point faster and still have some fun. This means that you can use witty emojis or funny memes to capture the absurdity and share a joke with your coworkers. That is a great idea!
Gen Z’s most significant impact on workplace communication has been to make it more inclusive. Pew estimates that nearly half of Gen Z identify as belonging to a racial/ethnic minority. This generation is also the most diverse. Pew says that it is the most accepting of same sex marriage and gender fluidity. A third of its members know someone who prefers to use gender-neutral pronouns to refer to them. 59% also believe that online profiles and forms should be gender-neutral.
Gen Z’s presence at work is evident in gender-neutral pronouns (eg “they / they”), the addition of the “x” at the end gender identifiers such as “Latinx and “folx”, and sensitivity to words and phrases of racist origins. These words not only make our workplace more inclusive but also prompt us to think about whether it is inclusive. If the answer is no, they can help drive change.
Generation Z is changing the face of the world. Generation Z is influencing the way people communicate and write in the workplace as they grow up and enter the workforce. We are more authentic, contribute our whole selves to the work environment and are less concerned with changing the context of our personal and professional lives. We communicate more clearly and directly, using visual cues to convey emotions and summaries.
We are more inclusive in our use of words and phrases, which results in a more welcoming workplace that is responsive to changing society.
