Ever watched Only Murders in the Building?
The show, recently nominated for 17 Emmys, follows true-crime enthusiasts Oliver, Charles, and Mabel—from different generations who team up to solve mysteries. A running joke is that Charles and Oliver (in their 70s) find it challenging to connect with Mabel (in her 20s). They struggle with her millennial expressions and can’t grasp her aversion to phone calls. It’s funny, but it also highlights a real-world issue—how generational divides in communication can lead to misunderstandings.
As of 2023, workplaces host five generations: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. With everyone from 16 to 75 working under the same roof, it’s no surprise that language—especially communication styles—becomes a sticking point.
The impact of generational language gaps
According to research, 70% of workplace issues stem from communication errors. Another report found that over 40% of employees say poor communication reduces trust in their colleagues and leadership. Trust is foundational for a productive and inclusive environment. If language is a barrier, the whole team’s ability to collaborate can crumble.
Generational communication divides don’t just cause confusion; but can strain working relationships. Mocking or dismissing how another generation communicates—whether it’s Baby Boomers being labeled “out of touch” or Gen Z being mocked for their informal expressions—deepens divisions and can reinforce age-related stereotypes.
The cycle of dismissal
The Communicative Predicament of Aging (CPA) model can shed light on how negative assumptions about communication styles affect relationships across generations. Traditionally, the CPA model addresses how older adults face communication barriers due to stereotypes about aging.
Think of how people often use simpler language when talking to someone older, which can feel condescending and lead the listener to withdraw from conversations. This withdrawal, in turn, can reinforce the stereotype that older people are ‘out of touch,’ even though the real issue lies in how they’re being addressed.
This same model applies when younger and older generations mock or dismiss each other’s language in the workplace. Stereotypes lead to assumptions, which change how we communicate. Ultimately, these assumptions become reality.
This generational divide is humorously portrayed in Only Murders in the Building, where Charles, unsure of texting etiquette, agonizes over whether to open a message with “Dear Mabel” or “Greetings, Mabel” before settling on “Aloha Mabel”—and even signing his name at the end.
Each stereotype feeds into a cycle where both groups feel misunderstood and undervalued. While it’s all in good humor in the show, mocking different communication styles in real life has deeper consequences.
For instance, research conducted by LinkedIn and Duolingo revealed that 48% of Millennials and Gen Z workers felt left out due to workplace jargon like “low-hanging fruit.” A huge 60% of respondents even felt that workplace jargon was like speaking a different language, and more than half admitted to using words they didn’t fully understand to fit in.
When language differences are mocked, workers—particularly younger ones—often feel pressured to conform or hide their communication preferences. This can lead to disengagement or increased mistakes in the workplace. In fact, 54% of young workers reported changing how they spoke just to fit in.
Breaking the cycle
So how do we bridge these generational language gaps and prevent them from becoming barriers?
- Open conversations: Create spaces where employees feel safe discussing their differences. When someone uses a term you don’t understand or communicates in a way you find confusing, ask questions with curiosity, not judgment.
- Encourage adaptability, not conformity: Instead of mocking or dismissing someone’s language style, encourage mutual adaptability. If you’re a Baby Boomer, try to understand the value of Gen Z’s digital shorthand. If you’re a Millennial, respect the formality older colleagues may prefer.
- Develop a language guide: Create a collaborative guide that outlines common terms, acronyms, and expressions used by different generations. Regularly updating this guide with input from all team members can help everyone stay informed and reduce miscommunication.
- Set clear communication guidelines: Establish clear rules about when and how to use various communication methods—be it email, chat, or face-to-face interactions. Providing guidelines helps everyone understand when to use different forms of communication appropriately, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.
In the end, the solution lies in acknowledging that language is fluid, shaped by our experiences, culture, and the generation we belong to. Ready to learn more about cultivating an inclusive environment for employees of all generations? Email us at hello@serein.in to learn more.