Gen Z’s Digital‑First Communication Sparks Misunderstandings in Multigenerational Workplaces

In a small café, a Gen Z employee texted her Gen X owner about a late arrival, assuming a quick message respected his time. The owner, who equated a phone call with seriousness, felt the text was too casual. Such misalignments are common as Gen Z, many of whom entered the workforce during the pandemic, learned workplace norms online and through AI‑driven tools. The same generation’s openness about mental health can be perceived as oversharing by older managers who value clear personal‑professional boundaries. Additionally, the loss of in‑person cues—faces, tone, and body language—has left many Gen Z workers less practiced at reading a room. Researchers argue that managers must explicitly state expectations, such as precise deadlines, to avoid confusion. Clear communication, rather than assuming shared norms, is essential for productive collaboration across generations.