What is professional etiquette in businesses where multiple generations work side by side? Professional etiquette is different for every generation and plays a vital role in maintaining harmony and productivity. Today, the way we view professional etiquette varies among generations. Everything from dress code, communication preferences, how we use technology, how we interact with each other in meetings, emoji use, and more are shaped by the social norms.
Did you grow up calling your friends parents by their last names? It seems silly, but do your kids still do that? Should they? Where do professional etiquette and adaptation meet? This is important and when it comes to human resources this matters for both customers and team members alike.
What Are the Basics for Professional Etiquette for Each Generation?
What seems like obvious etiquette to one generation may not be so obvious to another. Today, various technologies and values have shaped how different generations view professional etiquette. From Baby Boomers to Generation Z, every generation brings unique perspectives and expectations to the table. Understanding these differences and how they impact workplace interaction is the key to fostering collaboration and respect for everyone in the workforce.
Baby Boomers (1946–1964): Respect and Formality
The oldest in our current multi-generational workforce are the “Baby Boomers.” They grew up in a time when workplace hierarchy and structure were expected. This generation of workplace professional value, professional etiquette. It is deeply rooted in formality, respect for authority, and personal relationships developed over time. This generation values punctuality, adherence to traditional work hours, and face-to-face interactions.
EXAMPLE:
Baby Boomers are more likely to insist on addressing colleagues formally, such as “Mr.” or “Ms.,” until explicitly invited to use first names.
Now Imagine a Baby Boomer Manager Meeting with a Gen Z Employee.
The Boomer might prefer a formal, in-person meeting to discuss project updates, whereas the Gen Z employee might assume that a quick message over Slack or a short Zoom call suffices. A Gen Z may see a meeting in a Boomers office as a dreadful thing before the person even opens their mouth. They could feel like they are being targeted even when there is absolutely nothing to worry about. It is that feeling like you get called to the principal’s office. This difference could lead to tension, but it also presents an opportunity for mutual learning—Boomers can appreciate the efficiency of digital communication, while younger employees can develop skills in more formal settings.
Generation X (1965–1980): Independence and Efficiency
As the generation that witnessed the transition from traditional workplaces to more flexible environments, Generation X values independence and efficiency more than anything else. They tend to focus on results rather than rigid processes or hierarchy, and they appreciate direct, concise communication. For example, a Gen X employee is likely to prefer an email with clear action items over a lengthy meeting. When it comes to attire, they often strike a balance between formal and casual, embracing business casual as a practical middle ground.
Example: Communication Styles Between Gen X and Gen Z
Members of Gen X tend to value direct, concise communication, often leaning on email or phone calls for professional matters. They see these methods as efficient and appropriate for conveying essential information. For example, a Gen X manager might send a brief, to-the-point email outlining tasks, expecting the recipient to understand and execute without needing follow-up.
In a workplace scenario, a Gen X team leader might find themselves frustrated by a Millennial’s preference for brainstorming sessions and frequent check-ins. The Gen Xer might see this as inefficient, preferring to delegate tasks and allow the team to work independently. Gen X grew up in a culture that emphasized independence and hard work. They tend to focus on achieving results and are often willing to put in extra hours when necessary. For example, a Gen X employee might stay late at the office to finish a project, viewing this as a demonstration of their dedication and reliability.
Millennials (1981–1996): Collaboration and Inclusivity
Millennials are known for their collaborative and inclusive approach to work. Growing up in the digital age, they are comfortable with technology and use it as a tool to build connections and streamline communication. Today, Millennials make up the largest segment of our modern workforce at about 35%. Professional etiquette for Millennials often involves a friendly and informal tone, with first-name basis interactions being the norm. They are also more likely to use tools like Slack, Zoom, and Trello to coordinate tasks. Millennials value authenticity and are open about topics like mental health and work-life balance, viewing these as essential components of professionalism.
Most Millennials are going to email or text you rather than call you. They are tech savvy, first adapters of technologies including AI. They value personal relationships and a work life balance. When it comes to etiquette, the millennial will balance the formality of the previous generation. They push the boundaries of technology using emojis and GIFs in their communication style. Millennials were raised on MTV and Friends. They will dress appropriately for the interview and prefer a business casual dress code.
Generation Z (1997–2012): Digital Fluency & Diversity
Generation Z is the newest member to workforce. Many employees and HR managers alike tend to feel a gap in etiquette between the previous generations and Gen Z. This generation grew up with texting and smart phones. They communicate through emoji and memes. They spent their final years of high school remote because of the pandemic. This changed them for better or worse and today, Gen Z employees are shaping new norms for professional etiquette.
While they are technologically forward, their communications skills in business tend to be found to be less professional than previous generations. They do not call, they text or send messages in messaging apps, and they expect quick responses and transparency. They are not as versed in social graces. Text messages rule over phone conversations and often include a plethora of emoji’s that are their own language.
Example:
A January study by Resume Builder found that 31% of surveyed managers avoid hiring Gen Z. Hiring managers preferred hiring older workers rather than younger ones claiming that Gen Z often didn’t dress appropriately for the interview, lacked eye contact and demanded salaries that do not reflect their experience. What is more, these hiring managers also said that Gen Z had a harder time communicating well and came off as disinterested in the interview. Even after hiring them, 30% said they fired a Gen Z worker within a month of starting. All these things could be attributed to understanding the expectations of business etiquette.
It is more important than ever to open discussions about business expectations. Discuss what is expected of a Gen Z candidate both in the interview process, and once they are hired. It is important to find common ground between all parties. This is where your employee handbook may become an important factor in managing expectations and developing best practices for business etiquette and ClarityHRcan help.
Bridging the Generational Gap with Professional Etiquette
While these generational differences in professional etiquette can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, they also offer opportunities for collaboration and growth. For instance, a Baby Boomer might mentor a Gen Z employee in leadership skills, while the younger worker introduces the Boomer to more efficient digital tools. Similarly, Millennials and Gen Xers can find common ground in their shared appreciation for flexibility and innovation, even if their approaches differ.
Business etiquette should also be part of your employee training program. When hiring anyone, understanding the different generational norms is important to sales as well as customer service and support. Dealing with someone from the Baby Boomer era, you may want to pick up the phone and call, leave a message, and address that person more formally. Younger entrepreneurs prefer a quick text message to have them call you, instead of leaving a voice mail to which they may never listen. Meeting people where they are is important for all generations to understand.
Reconciling Expectations of Professional Etiquette.
One of the biggest challenges in multigenerational workplaces is reconciling varying expectations around communication. A Boomer might feel disrespected by a casual tone in an email, while a Millennial might view the same tone as a sign of approachability. The key to bridging these gaps is empathy.
PRO TIP: Do you know how much your team differs generationally on topics of business etiquette? Try doing a team building exercise where everyone answers” yes” or “no” questions around business etiquette topic. Have different members of your team explain why they picked their answer. This is a fantastic way for others to understand different viewpoints of what business etiquette is in our modern workplace.
Understanding the different variances of the values and preferences of colleagues from different generations can foster mutual respect for all. That requires clear directives, great employee handbooks, and training for all generations in what is acceptable and what is not. Professional etiquette should be like bumpers on a bowling alley. They keep all the balls in the lane, and they create a high success rate of everyone hitting the pins.
Etiquette Is Not Static
Professional etiquette is not static. It has never been static. It has evolved with each generation and continues to reflect the values, technologies, and social norms of the time. In today’s workplace, understanding and respecting these generational differences is essential to fostering collaboration and productivity. By embracing the unique strengths of each generation and finding common ground, we can create workplaces that are not only efficient but also inclusive and dynamic.
Is your team struggling to understand professional etiquette in our changing world? We totally get it; we see it all the time. Trust us when we say, you are not alone. This will continue to be a struggle for most business owners. Our job is to help you bridge those gaps so your team can grow in harmony together. Contact us today to learn how ClarityHR can help you with business etiquette.
Additional Articles for Etiquette for the Modern Era:
- The Marvelous Millennial’s Manual to Modern Manners: Professional Success and Happiness with the Help of Business Etiquette is manual that prepares readers for success in their personal and professional lives by teaching them important life skills and business etiquette.
- Bridging Generational Gaps with Business Etiquette – FASA a practical strategy for using business etiquette to bridge generational gaps, emphasizing respectful communication, and valuing each generation’s strengths
- Gen Z’s Painful Etiquette Gap And How To Bridge It – Forbes discusses Gen Z’s etiquette gap and how to bridge it, noting that training, mentoring, and growth opportunities can help Gen Z workers develop their potential.
- Overcoming Generational Differences In The Workplace 2024 – OfficeRnD explores generational differences in the workplace and how to bridge the gap, emphasizing open communication and mutual understanding.