Seven generations coexist for the first time, and most now share workplaces, navigating company culture through different lenses while adapting to economic, technological, and organizational change that propels the workforce forward.
As each generation strives for success, their unique communication styles are often overlooked, which may lead to clashes. Organizations fostering cross-generational collaboration are more likely to thrive, and this success must be ushered in by supervisors.
However, many supervisors are unequipped to handle one of the most difficult aspects of their role: resolving interpersonal conflicts arising from generational differences. To bridge these gaps, leaders must be equipped with tools to foster collaboration and communication across diverse workforces.
About Working Generations
Supervisors must be savvy to generational preferences and be equipped to lead all, while recognizing individual traits, personalities, and habits will outweigh generational norms. But generational preferences may cause miscommunication and interpersonal conflict. While conflict at work is normal, many supervisors aren’t trained to handle it.
According to an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey:
- 39% of U.S. and 41% of Canadian supervisor job seekers say resolving conflict is the biggest challenge supervisors face.
- Yet only 31% of U.S. and 26% of Canadian supervisor job seekers report receiving training in this area.
The first step in managing conflict rooted in miscommunication is to understand the communication styles involved.
Speak Their Language
Generational characteristics offer helpful context, but every individual is unique and may not identify with those traits. There’s no match for developing professional relationships with your team to learn how they work best, and understanding each generation’s communication style is crucial. However, be mindful not to make assumptions.
Each generation has preferred communication methods but face-to-face remains the most valued when communicating with colleagues, according to McCrindle, a market research company with a specialty in demographics.
Top Three Communication Preferences by Generation
| Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Boomers |
| Face-to-Face: 59% | Face-to-Face: 63% | Face-to-Face: 73% | Face-to-Face: 87% |
| Email: 44% | Email: 45% | Email: 43% | Phone: 28% |
| Phone: 41% | Online messaging: 40% | Phone call: 30% | Email: 27% |
Adapt to Connect
Collaborative communication depends on everyone’s willingness to adapt. This responsibility doesn’t depend on one generation or supervisor; every team member plays a role. Flexibility in communication creates connection, eliminates confusion, builds collaboration, and shows commitment to the team. Set expectations for your team’s communication with a plan. Foster communication by:
- Modeling flexibility—Use the communication style that resonates with the team member you’re contacting.
- Emphasizing empathy—Remind your team that everyone’s preferences vary and that’s okay.
- Focusing on connection—Make time for real conversations and personal updates.
As the workplace continues to evolve, supervisors are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in fostering inclusive, collaborative work environments. By adapting communication styles, leaders can transform conflict into connection. With the right tools and mindset, supervisors won’t just manage multigenerational teams but will lead them to thrive.
Thriving Together
Learn more about communicating with the multigenerational workforce in Express’ resource, Thriving Together: Supervisor Communication for Multigenerational Teams at ExpressPros.com/Generations.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
The Job Seeker Report survey was conducted online within the United States and Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals among adults ages 18 and older who are employed but looking for a new job or not employed and looking for work (“job seekers”) in the U.S. (n=1,039) and Canada (n=505). For complete survey methodology, please contact Communications@ExpressPros.com.
