Bridging communication gaps across generations

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Tech expert shares insights on navigating communication gaps across generations, revealing how adaptable strategies can build stronger, more cohesive teams. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Megan Ellsworth has a rich discussion with Dean Curtis of Ingage about the evolving communication dynamics in today’s multigenerational workforce. With over eight years at Ingage and a career that has spanned tech giants like Oracle and Apple, Curtis brings a seasoned perspective on managing communication preferences across generations. 

Dean describes the unique communication challenges presented by a workforce that spans four generations, each with different preferences for communication methods such as email, text, Slack and even face-to-face interactions. The tension between formality and informality is especially pronounced. “Different generations might be a little more informal on some communication methods,” Dean notes, pointing to a key source of friction. For instance, younger team members may lean toward more casual communication with emojis, while older colleagues may prefer formal emails. 

Another challenge, Dean says, is the speed of communication. He expresses that response expectations can create conflicts; especially as younger employees tend to be more responsive. Dean, however, encourages setting personal boundaries: “I turn all my notifications off on things,” he admits, acknowledging that personal work styles and generational habits affect workplace communication patterns. 

Dean also highlights how different generations view the necessity of face-to-face communication. Despite technological advances, he argues for the importance of the traditional approach: “There still is the old-fashioned, ‘Let’s go take a walk,’ or ‘let’s grab a coffee.’” 

The insights Curtis offers illuminate the need for adaptability and mutual understanding in fostering effective communication within a diverse workforce. Whether it’s implementing clear guidelines or using analytics to refine strategies, he underscores the importance of finding common ground to build a cohesive team environment. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about practical and timely advice on modern workplace communication challenges!