Zoë Scorer, Managing Director:

• Multi-generational workforces
• Accommodating diverse preferences
• Embracing digital transformation

In today’s diverse workplace, one of the most pressing challenges facing organisations is effectively communicating with a multi-generational workforce. With baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials, and Gen Z all working side by side, each generation brings its own unique communication preferences, values, and technological fluency to the table. We now need to consider many more channels than ever before – email, face to face, Workplace, Slack, WhatsApp, Teams. Mastering internal communication strategies that resonate across generations is essential for fostering collaboration, engagement and productivity.

While COVID-19 saw an upsurge in the use of Zoom and Microsoft Teams to communicate internally (and externally) we are all now feeling the fatigue of this trend and there has been a shift back to more traditional forms of communication. I find it fascinating to consider how different generations approach the use of email, for example. Gen Z have grown up with smartphones firmly in their hands and might gawp at the prospect of using a formal tone in digital format when they’re more used to acronyms (IYKYN) and hashtags more suited to instant messaging platforms. By comparison, Millennials (of which I am a proud member) have migrated into the digital world as it was transforming around us and are perhaps more au fait with email etiquette. 

All of this needs to be taken into consideration to maximise the effectiveness of internal communication and accommodate the diverse preferences of the modern workforce. Focusing again on digital communication, empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial characteristics needed to navigate communicating via digital platforms. Is an emoji suitable? I know a curt ‘Regards, Zoë’ can send shivers down spines. So where is the line? It can be a minefield and very divisive, especially when working in a multi-site global organisation with a multi-generational workforce. Providing training and support to ensure everyone feels comfortable using the digital platforms will help bridge this gap. 

Of course it’s not just about mastering the latest technology, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and skill development will ensure digital communication is embraced, rather than rejected. And, empowering employees, no matter their generation, to collaborate and knowledge-share will harness the collective expertise of the diverse workforce, for the benefit of the organisation. 

By embracing digital transformation, tailoring communication strategies for your diverse workforce and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, you will all be speaking the same language in no time.