Communicating with Generation Z at work – a real challenge for today’s leaders
Communicating with Generation Z at work is no longer just about tools and workflows. Many leaders are puzzled: despite digital setups, structured emails, and hybrid-ready processes, younger employees often don’t respond. Deadlines pass, feedback loops remain empty, and important messages go unanswered. So, what’s really going on?
The truth is simple and uncomfortable: Gen Z communicates differently. And that’s not a lack of professionalism – it’s a reflection of a new work culture and mindset.
Die GenZ kommuniziert anders als die Boomer. Foto: Image by Pexels from Pixabay
Why email isn’t the go-to channel for Gen Z
For Generation Z, email is not the first choice. Instead, they prefer fast, informal communication via Slack, voice messages, Teams, or visual formats. They think in quick exchanges rather than structured message chains.
One manager at a global company shared a detailed change plan via formal email with multiple attachments. Two weeks later, Gen Z team members expressed resistance. Their complaint? They felt “overwhelmed” and “not involved,” claiming they had been “PDF-bombed.”
Research backs it up
A 2023 study by the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) found that 72% of employees under 30 consider email “secondary or disruptive.” Instead, they value dialogue, visuals, and accessible communication formats.
Misunderstanding Gen Z: It’s not unprofessional, just different
Some leaders view this shift as rude or unstructured. But in fact, it’s cultural. Communicating with Generation Z at work means understanding their language. The key isn’t the tool itself, but whether your communication lands. Are you clear, present, and responsive—on their terms?
Leadership that sticks to outdated formats risks losing connection and, ultimately, the trust of the next generation.
Jede Generation hat ihre eigenen Kommunikationsstile und das ist gut so. Grafik: Dall-E by DIKT
How to improve communication with Generation Z at work
1. Set communication agreements, not assumptions
Kick off alignment sessions:
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Which tools will we use for what?
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What response time is expected?
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What formats are preferred?
Clear agreements build transparency and reduce friction.
2. Embrace asynchronous communication
Not every topic needs a meeting or a reply within minutes. Asynchronous tools like Loom or shared boards help Gen Z stay engaged—on their schedule.
Best practice: Companies like Buffer, operating fully remotely, set clear response timeframes and format standards, including asynchronous video replies and communication guidelines.
3. Make your message visual and direct
Forget long paragraphs. Use bullet points, one-pagers, or short videos. Communicating effectively with Generation Z means getting to the point with clean visuals and strong structure.
Tip: Replace long text with storyboards, quick video updates, or infographics in your internal communications.
Conclusion: Communicating with Generation Z at work requires more than email
You don’t need more tools—you need a new mindset. Leadership in a Gen Z environment is not top-down; it’s collaborative and adaptive. Listening creates trust. Adapting builds respect.
In diverse, hybrid teams, communication becomes your primary leadership skill. If you want to strengthen your leadership presence, we’ll guide you. At the German Institute for Communication & Media Training, we work with leaders to sharpen their message and activate their teams.
👉 Book a strategy session with Dr. Nikolai A. Behr and the Medientraining Institute team:
📞 0700 CALL-BEHR
📧 office@medientraining-institut.de
