Working with Gen Z’s - How To Communicate and Collaborate Best.
This is easily the biggest question I get from my corporate clients.
“How do we work better with the young staff in the office?”
It’s a mix - some of my clients are very frustrated by the actions of their Gen Z staff, while others are in awe of their young staff and wanting to learn how to better connect with them and ensure there’s strong rapport.
Why would you be frustrated with a new young staff member? For those who aren’t in management positions, or maybe aren’t dealing with many Gen Z colleagues in their roles daily - this generation is shaking up the way we work! Whether you think its a good thing or not, there’s no denying that this generation is mixing up what is considered ‘normal’ for the office, and showing their predecessors that work can look different.
Which is why I thought we could discuss this topic for today’s blog.
Why not right? It’s something a lot of people are dealing with every day, I get asked about it all the time, so please let me know if this information is useful.
I’m going to split the blog into 3 short parts:
The Gen Z World
Communicating with Gen Z
Building Connection
Let’s kick it off. Here's how you can bridge the gap and build meaningful connections:
Gen Z's World
It’s fair to say, we’re familiar with the fact that Gen Z has grown up in a digital era where smartphones are practically extensions of themselves. They’ve had access to information their whole life, and find it easy to gather knowledge at the touch of a button. This means there is a change in the way they can hold themselves in a conversation, often having a great amount of knowledge in topics that previously similar age groups wouldn’t have been familiar with. Their savviness with technology has also resulted in constant connection with friends and people they love, and a movement towards on going shorter conversations.
Due to their tech focussed up bringing, there can be an assumption that this is the most important thing in the world to them, but actually we’re finding this it’s not all about technology for this generation. Yes, technology helps with a more flexible lifestyle - this was also their experience while studying, with a lot of classes being taught online or via remote learning spaces. That said, Gen Z are valuing this because they truly value a healthy work life balance. They believe in making time for themselves, their friends and their hobbies, alongside a strong career.
They value genuine connection and authenticity, with a strong social conscience. They value social responsibility. They want to work for companies that can demonstrate that the workplace is more than just a job—it's a community that cares about making a positive impact.
Tips for Effective Communication
So knowing what we’ve discussed above - how can you ensure you’re communicating better with Gen Z?
They thrive on quick, bite-sized communication. With regular connection with everyone they know, keeping the conversation short and to the point will be very helpful,. Ditch the long emails and embrace tools like Slack or Teams for instant updates and friendly banter.
Want to earn major brownie points with your Gen Z colleagues? Keep it real! Skip the corporate jargon and be straightforward. They appreciate honesty and transparency. This stems from an awareness of people pleasing tendencies and fake niceties - as we know, authenticity is a value of theirs. Just be real, that’s what will build the most amount of respect and trust.
This is also why they love to receive regular feedback. It's like fuel for Gen Z. Regularly acknowledge their efforts and offer constructive feedback. Trust me, they'll thrive on it! I always say, you should be giving positive feedback as much as you offer constructive feedback. This ensures there’s always an open dialogue on performance, and a chance to build a stronger connection with your Gen Z staff.
Building Connections Beyond the Boardroom
Gen Z really appreciate being involved in the conversation, and having a seat at the decision making table. They want to feel like they’re part of something. So here's the secret sauce: get to know your Gen Z colleagues beyond work. Let them see you as a real person, aside from just their manager or senior manager. The more that you can discover shared interests or social causes you're both passionate about, the quicker they’ll connect with you. It's these connections that pave the way for meaningful collaborations and friendships.
And speaking of growth, Gen Z craves opportunities to learn and develop new skills. Offer mentorship and continuous learning experiences. You'll not only boost their confidence but also inspire loyalty.
Last but certainly not least, embrace diversity like it's your superpower. Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Celebrate differences and encourage open dialogue across generations.
In a nutshell, connecting with Gen Z in the workplace boils down to authenticity, open communication, and a genuine interest in their growth. By bridging generational gaps and embracing diversity, we're creating workplaces that will stay strong into future generations and evolve with the changing social landscape.
Keen to learn even more about getting the most out of working with your Gen Z colleagues?
Email me and we can discuss what a workshop with JELC looks like for your team.
Sending love,
Jade x
