Engaging with Gen Z - The Workforce of the Future

With a current workforce that spans over 5 generations, it has never been more important to take the time to figure out what makes your team members tick. Understanding how different individuals communicate is key to effective collaboration, and communication styles can vary a lot between the generations. So let’s dive into the newest generation making its way onto the professional scene lately – Gen Z.

Who is Gen Z?

Gen Z, or Zoomers, refers to individuals who were born between approximately 1997 and 2012. This generation has grown up in a world heavily saturated with technology, social media, and globalization – thanks in great part to the development of the internet. In fact, they have never known a time when these things did not exist. That is quite a crazy thought for all the boomers and even millennials out there who have plenty of “back in my day” stories to share. These Gen Zers are true digital natives and they really know their way around all things tech.

Members of Generation Z are also generally known for being socially conscious, and placing a high value on diversity, inclusion, and authenticity in both their personal lives and workplaces. They prioritize mental well-being, work-life balance, and purpose-driven careers over traditional job security and typical career paths.

Gen Z in the Workplace: What They Value

As mentioned above this new generation tends to focus on some other areas compared to previous generations. For instance while Gen X was focused on stability and hierarchy, Gen Z is more focused on finding work that fits your situation and being able to work on projects you are passionate about, even if that creates less predictable career steps. Here are a few topics that Gen Zers value and look for in the workplace:

• Inclusion & Social Responsibility – This generation seeks workplaces that prioritize diversity, openness, and fairness. They often prefer to work with companies and individuals who put time and effort into social initiatives to improve not only the well-being of their team but also the sustainability of the world around them.
• Authenticity & Transparency – Gen Z has grown up in an era of constant digital exposure, where information is accessible immediately and in overwhelming amounts. In a world of filters and internet trolls, Gen Z has learned to appreciate what is real, and they have become very good at deciphering genuine from fake as well. As a result, they value workplaces that foster honesty, openness, and support transparent communication and policies. They expect employers to communicate clearly, follow through on promises, and create an environment where employees can express themselves without fear of judgment.
• Continuous Feedback – Growing up with social media means that Gen Zers have gotten used to receiving instant feedback. It is important to remember that they appreciate regular input from managers and colleagues. This helps them to know when they are on track and also to signal any improvement points in time. A lack of consistent and frequent feedback may even be a reason for some young professionals to look for a new work environment, so don’t forget to send those emoji responses and schedule regular 1-on-1 meetings.
• Hybrid Work Preferences – While most employees in this new generation enjoy digital interactions, they also value in-person collaboration and expect flexibility to be the norm. For this reason you can expect a lot of requests for hybrid working options. Gen Z has a reputation for knowing what works for them and for placing a high priority on creating a work environment that gives them the flexibility and resources they need. They know this focus on a supportive work environment will help them be the most happy and successful employees they can be and appreciate when their employer also sees the value and creates opportunities to work flexibly.
• Purpose-Driven Work – Gen Zers are socially conscious and are usually looking to work for organizations that align with their values and contribute to meaningful causes. When these topics are clearly visible on a company’s website and are a part of the interview process there will be a higher chance of finding a click between the organization and their new professional.
• Career Growth & Development – Opportunities for skill-building and career advancement are highly attractive to this generation. A job is no longer simply about bringing home the bacon, in fact, many individuals in this new generation would rather wait longer for the right opportunity than take on the first paying job that comes along. They are also not afraid to walk away if a job offer turns out to not be a good fit or if the future opportunities do not match with their career vision and interests.

As you can see, Generation Z places a very high priority on finding career opportunities that support their values, interests, and well-being. They are not afraid to fight for what they believe in and are content to look for something else if the current company or position does not align with what they find most important. So how do you find that alignment, and how can you make sure that you are on the same page? It all comes down to communication.

The Language of Gen Z

As experts in working with multilingual professionals, we know all about cross-cultural communication at Undutchables. But have you ever considered your cross-generational communication fluency? Each generation has its own communication style, shaped by the era they grew up in. Gen Z has been significantly influenced by technology, diversity, and the rise of social media.

Research shows that the typical Gen Zer spends an average of 3.5 hours per day on social media. Instant messaging across various channels takes up a lot of their time , and usually consists of short and fast messages, due to platform character limits and short attention spans of the users. This new way of communicating has shaped the writing style of a whole generation, making Gen Zers typically more informal and concise in their messages. Having lots of practice being forced to fit your whole point into just a few characters means that Gen Z really knows how to get to the point in just a few words and that they are expert abbreviation users. It can also mean that Gen Z employees do not like being put on the spot, as they are used to adjusting their text several times to make sure it is just right before sending it.

Another important part of communication that has grown a lot with the increase of social media use is incorporating visual media. This tends to grab and hold the attention better and proves to be more engaging for the digital generation. The visual aspect along with character limitations creating the need for short and sweet messages has led to emojis and abbreviations playing a huge role in the communication of Gen Z (and let’s be honest, we are all starting to get on board with this one 😉). Sometimes, words aren’t even necessary—emojis can do the talking!

Emojis and abbreviations form a big part of the language of Gen Z, and they are more than just fun images or cute ways to say things. Emojis can be a great way to give quick feedback to a Gen Z colleague, while abbreviations can encourage efficient communication. Emojis do have specific connotations though and the emotions and meanings they convey might not always be obvious to everyone. This can also be true of abbreviations. Take for example someone texting “LOL” to a friend who is in a tough spot, thinking it means “lots of love” but the receiver is reading “laugh out loud” instead. 😅 To avoid these kinds of awkward situations you can always check an emoji or abbreviation dictionary (or just ask your Gen Z friends and colleagues) if you are not sure what a specific emoji or abbr. means. Understanding these nuances can help everyone in the workplace avoid misunderstandings, connect better with Gen Z employees, and maybe even have a bit more fun with their communication.

How to Communicate with Gen Z in the Workplace

So now that you know a bit more about the language of Gen Z, gaining a greater understanding of their unique traits and specific communication preferences is essential for fostering a productive and engaged workplace. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

1.  Use of Channels

The channels you use, and how you use them, matters a lot to Gen Z. While phone calls used to be the default method of communication, Gen Z typically prefers texting or messaging over unexpected calls. An unannounced call showing up on their screen can feel intrusive rather than convenient. Understanding their communication preferences ensures smoother and more effective workplace interactions.

• Match the Message to the Medium – Consider the nature of your message when choosing how to communicate. Quick updates or general information are best shared through messaging apps like WhatsApp, or Teams. However, for complex discussions or sensitive topics, a phone call—or even better, a face-to-face conversation—can be more effective and appreciated.
• Respect Individual Preferences – Just like every generation, communication preferences vary by individual. When in doubt, ask your colleagues how they prefer to communicate. This not only ensures efficiency but also fosters a more collaborative and comfortable work environment.
• Use Video Calls Strategically – While video meetings can enhance personal connection, they should be used thoughtfully. Gen Z values flexibility, so avoid scheduling unnecessary video calls when a quick message or email would suffice. However, for brainstorming sessions or team discussions, video calls can be a great way to encourage engagement; and don’t forget to have a good old fashioned meet up at the office every once in awhile as well.

2. Written Communication

Forget about long, formal emails—Gen Z prefers short, direct messages. Calling them unexpectedly might even cause anxiety! Written communication is a great way to get your message across and allow the other person time to review and respond. So, maybe opt for a quick text or chat message that is clear and to the point. Avoid excessive formality and instead focus on concise, friendly communication.

• Use messaging apps – The days of email being king are slowly dying. Platforms like Slack, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams are more effective than lengthy emails. Even social media apps like Facebook Messenger or Snapchat are finding their way into some workplaces and can offer an easy method for arranging small details quickly. Consider which apps work for you and make sure you have access to the ones that will keep you in touch with your Gen Z counterparts.
• Keep it brief – Gen Z values efficiency, so avoid unnecessary details.
• Avoid excessive punctuation – Using too many exclamation marks or periods can come across as overly intense. Gen Z appreciates enthusiasm but they are also greatly focused on authenticity, so make sure that your message reflects who you are and what you are trying to say. Plus, in a world full of emojis, punctuation can often be seen as less important, so use it sparingly and add a visual, like an emoji or GIF, to get your point across.
• Embrace emojis (sparingly) – Like we mentioned above, emojis make up a large part of the Gen Z language. They add personality and clarity but should be used appropriately in professional settings.

2. Visual Communication

Gen Z is a digital-native generation, growing up with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, they prefer visual content over long text. If you want to engage them, use images, short videos, and clear visual cues.

• Use infographics – Visuals help break down complex information quickly. A helpful diagram, graph, or instructions that include step-by-step images often get the important points across faster and more clearly than a long essay.
• Consider video updates – Instead of long emails, try short video messages to convey key information. These don’t have to be perfectly edited, but rather a homegrown approach can go a long way.
• Memes and GIFs (when appropriate) – A great way to interact with Gen Zers in the workplace is to include Memes and GIFs in your communication. These can be engaging and create connection among colleagues, just remember to use them with a healthy awareness of what is acceptable in the workplace culture.

3. Personal Interaction

Despite being highly digital, Gen Z values face-to-face interactions, perhaps even more than their millennial counterparts. As much in their lives already takes place in a digital realm, they often prefer in-person conversations over virtual meetings. When communicating with them, ensure transparency, authenticity, and respect—they expect to be treated as equals.

• Schedule 1:1 meetings – Personal interaction helps build trust. While Gen Z is comfortable with digital communication, they highly value direct, personal interactions, especially when it comes to meaningful and important discussions. One-on-one meetings provide an opportunity to establish trust, offer mentorship, and address any concerns in a private setting. Regular check-ins can help them feel supported, heard, and more engaged with their work. Unlike structured group meetings, personal conversations allow for open dialogue and a stronger sense of connection between colleagues and managers, plus provide frequent opportunities for feedback which is also important to Gen Z.
• Be open to direct feedback – Honesty and clear expectations are highly valued by Gen Z. They value managers and colleagues who are upfront, constructive, and willing to engage in open conversations. They expect a workplace culture where feedback is a two-way street—just as they are open to receiving input, they also want their ideas and opinions to be heard and taken seriously. Creating an environment where honest discussions are encouraged helps build mutual respect and fosters continuous improvement, as well as a supportive environment that a Gen Zer might just want to stick around for.
• Use casual, inclusive language – A friendly and open tone encourages better engagement. Traditional corporate jargon and overly formal communication can feel distant and unrelatable to Gen Z employees. Instead, they prefer a conversational tone that is approachable, yet professional. Language that is too stiff may create unnecessary barriers, whereas a more casual and inclusive style can foster a sense of belonging. Additionally, using inclusive language—such as gender-neutral terms and culturally sensitive phrasing—demonstrates respect and consideration for diverse perspectives, something that is highly valued by this generation.

The Key to Successful Communication

Now that you understand Gen Z’s communication style, you will be better prepared to engage with them effectively and improve your cross-generational fluency. Remember, that every generation has their own background and own communication style (and that’s not even starting on the additional factors that a culturally diverse team brings into the mix 😉), so the best thing to do to improve your communication is to, you guessed it, communicate.

Talk about the meta-communication factors. Don’t take it for granted that your colleague would prefer a call or text, but discuss it with them and figure out a way that works for both of you. Help each other understand how you think, and focus on clear, respectful, and transparent communication all along the way. You will find that every generation’s communication style has something to offer and that by working together the whole team will become more well-rounded, efficient, successful and happy. TTYL!