Having Tough Conversations with Multi-Generational Employees

Part of leading a successful business is being able to communicate effectively with any employee, regardless of how many or few gray hairs they are sporting. With a little preparation, having a talk with someone much younger or much older than you can be as easy as sitting down to speak with a member of your own graduating class. 

Every executive knows that the day will come when they will have to have a tough conversation with an employee. Being prepared to communicate with employees from across the spectrum of age groups can help you to ensure that those conversations will go as smoothly as possible. 

Why is it helpful to consider an employee’s age during a conversation?

It can be helpful to understand the nuances of communicating with employees of different age groups. Some of those nuances could very well contribute to the success of an uncomfortable conversation. While it can be helpful to be sensitive to the different mindsets and needs of your multigenerational team, remember that it is also to avoid stereotypes of any kind in the workplace.

With that in mind, how do members of different generations generally tend to communicate? How can we be sensitive to their experiences, to be as effective as possible in discussing more delicate topics?

Baby Boomers (ages 58 to 76 in 2022)

Don’t be shy about speaking to baby boomers with authority. However, offer them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to embracing change. 

For example, if you have to tell a boomer-aged employee that they underperformed in the last quarter, consider a face-to-face meeting rather than sending an email. You might avoid approaching the conversation with a team-oriented, “friendly peer” tone. Instead, you can gently assert your authority by giving clear expectations for their performance in the next quarter. If you feel that they are using outdated methods or tools, feel free to offer them an updated solution. Baby boomers can be more flexible than they are given credit for.

Generation X (ages 42 to 57)

This is a generation that appreciates stability. Many have the potential to be resourceful leaders if given the chance. Communicate with your Gen X employees by listening. Rather than simply offering solutions to a problem, take care to consider their ideas.

Imagine you are talking with a Gen X employee about a departmental shift that will cause an unfavorable change in their workload. Consider delivering the news delicately–they may not appreciate a sudden change in their workflow. Allow them to have a say in how they will handle this shift. Giving them even a small measure of leadership in the transition could very well help them to embrace the change.

Millennials (ages 26 to 41)

Millennials are a resilient and open-minded generation that is used to instability and change. They thrive in a work environment that embraces technology to its fullest. 

Suppose you have to confront a millennial employee about inappropriate workplace behavior. Be sure to explain the nature of the issue thoroughly and clearly–a millennial employee would rather have all of the facts than hear a sweetened version of the truth. While having a face-to-face conversation can always be an option, consider sending a millennial an email or even a chat message when appropriate. Members of this generation are as comfortable texting as they are breathing.

Generation Z (ages 10 to 25)

Gen Z may be a bit wet behind the ears, but don’t let that stop you from making the most of what they have to offer to your workplace! This generation values intelligence and humor. They are socially fluid (though sometimes a bit awkward) and they expect to be able to communicate through the internet.

What if you are faced with the task of laying off a Gen Z employee? Before meeting in person, consider giving them a heads-up via the office chat that there is something that needs to be discussed. Don’t let their youth bely their keen intelligence. Speak to them as an equal for as smooth a conversation as possible.

Regardless of the age of your employee, remember that respect is at the core of any successful workplace communication. See your employees as individuals before seeing them as members of a generation. Are you ready to have respectful and effective conversations about any issue with your multi-generational employees?