Millennials vs. Gen Z: When Two Worlds of Communication Collide

It was just another dull morning in the corporate universe that turned into a fateful moment when Millennials and Gen Z found themselves on the same Zoom call. The result? A communication clash of epic proportions!

Scene 1: To Greet or Not to Greet, That Is the Question

The meeting begins. Millennials enter Zoom in an orderly manner, type "Good morning, everyone! 😊" in the chat, and wait for everyone to join. Gen Z arrives late, with no greeting and the camera off. The only sign of their presence is a vague "sup" in the chat window.

Millennials grit their teeth. "Where are the manners?!" they think. Gen Z wonders, "Why are they acting like we're in the Middle Ages?"

Scene 2: Email vs. Emoji

The meeting topic is a new project. Millennials sent a detailed 438-word email with an introduction, body, conclusion, and warm regards. Gen Z responded with a simple "👍".

Millennials experience an existential crisis. "What does this thumbs-up mean? Agreement? Sarcasm? Do they hate us? Is this a portal to a parallel universe?!"

Gen Z sees no issue. "What more do they want? I sent a reaction—it’s like an email, just without the unnecessary words!"

Scene 3: Phone Call—A Horror Story

A Millennial needs to explain something urgent and thinks, "Ah, calling is simpler!" The phone rings, and rings, and rings. No answer. A second later, a message arrives from Gen Z: "Hey, are you okay? Why are you calling? Can you just text?"

The Millennial is in shock. "Phones are for calling!" Gen Z: "Phones are for everything EXCEPT calling!"

Scene 4: Formality on Life Support

A Millennial sends a Slack message to a Gen Z colleague: "Dear Tomislav, I hope you're doing well. When would be a good time to review the documents? Best regards, Ivan."

Tomislav (Gen Z) replies an hour later: "Bet."

The Millennial stares at the screen. "Bet... bet what?! Are we gambling? Who won? What does this mean?!"

Scene 5: Nonverbal Communication—Does It Even Exist?

Millennials grew up in an era of in-person meetings where facial expressions and body language meant something. Gen Z, on the other hand, dominates the digital world, where all expressions have been replaced with GIFs.

On a Zoom call, Millennials nod attentively, ask questions, and smile. Gen Z sits motionless, camera off, responding with a simple: "lmao."

Millennials: "Are they even alive? Should we call emergency services?" Gen Z: "Relax, we’re just… digital."

Scene 6: Feedback—From Catastrophe to Chaos

The boss (a Millennial) gives feedback to a Gen Z colleague: "Great job, but I’d suggest adding a bit more detail to improve the presentation."

Gen Z sighs: "Omg, why are you attacking me?" Millennial: "A-attacking?! I’m just making a suggestion..." Gen Z: "I feel called out. I need a mental break."

On the flip side, when Gen Z gives feedback, it looks like this: "Hmm, the vibe isn’t strong."

Millennial: "VIBE?! What does that even mean?! Give me actual guidelines!"

Will They Ever Find Common Ground?

Maybe Millennials are too formal, and Gen Z is too casual, but at the end of the day—both generations have their strengths. Millennials can learn to be a bit more relaxed, and Gen Z can embrace a touch of more professional communication. Until then? Millennials will keep writing emails with "I hope you're doing well," while Gen Z will keep responding with "lol, thx."

How to Improve Intergenerational Communication

Millennials embrace digital speed! – Short and clear can be effective; not every message needs to start like an essay.

Gen Z, add a bit of formality! – Some contexts require full sentences—without the "bet" response.

The phone is not the enemy! – Sometimes a quick call is faster than 50 back-and-forth messages.

Don’t avoid the camera! – Nonverbal communication helps with understanding and relationship-building.

Empathy is key! – Everyone communicates from their comfort zone; let’s try to understand each other!