Communication Problems Between Generations

Boomers sense the most difficulty 😤

Boomer respondents had a higher sense of becoming defensive (30%), struggling with language or accent differences (37%), having memory issues (31%), misinterpreting meaning or tone (28%), and providing too much information (29%) to lead the way in several categories.

As Boomers have retired or continue to approach the workforce exit, most 65 and older sense these difficulties the most among the generations.

Gen X and Millennials aren't far behind

While Boomers sensed difficulties most in defensiveness, language problems, memory issues and missing tone; Gen X ranked 2nd and Millennials 3rd in these same areas. Gen X was just 6-11 points behind Boomers and Millennials just 1-5 points beyond Gen X.

Gen Z not unscathed

Nonverbal communications not matching, over-reliance on technology, and poor timing are where Gen Z leads the pack in connection to difficulty. Conversely, these are the areas that Boomers felt were less of an issue.

The trends were mostly all linear. The ends of the spectrum tended to start young and end older, whether in a positive or negative direction. With either Gen Z or Boomers leading, Gen X and Millennials occupied the middle. 

Generational Strengths

At the outset, we found there's not much communication happening outside each generation's silo. When it does happen, mediums of communication are not uniform, and each generation is aware of their struggles. Yet, through devices and ages, the generations do know areas where they excel.

Boomers felt their largest strength was being respectful with openness. That would benefit their leaning for formal or longer communication preferences. Gen X, likewise, has to bridge that formality and mirroring from Boomers with an ability to adapt. Millennials, spread most between the strengths, still have a leaning toward respect and open-mindedness. Gen Z, meanwhile, leads the strengths pack in non-verbal communication, adaptability, and even hearing the speaker.  

Equipped to cross the bridge

Knowing and naming the problems is one step. Yet generational communication divides have existed as long as the generations have. Technological proliferation matches needs and desires, but create new difficulties as well. Understanding them can point toward possible solutions:

• Everyone has a face-to-face need and values it. Doing so across generations will require mirroring to assure tone and meaning are understood from the youngest to the oldest.
• Tech usage can fuel efficiency and speed, but must also be laid aside for longer or more complex needs. Body language and voice inflections all can say further what may be left to the implied. Quickness and clarity can often have an inverse relationship. 
• Patience is needed the farther from the age bracket one traverses. Vocabulary may differ, but similar needs still exist. Pausing to seek understanding will prove wise.
• Further technology may actually scaffold support. LLMs will continue to evolve to summarize for those that missed information or even translate where language or idioms span a spectrum. 
• Consideration abounds across media and ages. Interrupting in-person can be as difficult as an after-hours phone call. Same for a poorly worded text message or an email in all CAPS. 

Read our prior posts on Generational Communication Silos, Communication Preferences, and Quick Message Leanings. 

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