While digital communication provides us the convenience of working from home, new research from UKG, commissioned by YouGov, found that platforms like Outlook, Teams and Slack are creating barriers to clear and effective communication for New Zealand’s Gen Z workforce, preventing them from getting ahead in the workplace.
The survey of 503 New Zealand workers found that 68 per cent of Gen Z respondents admitted to experiencing miscommunications at work because they used email or another digital communication tool.
Additionally, 71 per cent of this generation find it difficult to speak up or contribute in video conference meetings, highlighting the limitations of purely digital interaction. This issue is more pronounced among employees in larger businesses with over 200 employees (84%).
However, as conflicts or problems arise, these young professionals know that hiding behind a keyboard won’t fix anything, with 45% admitting that when there is a conflict at work, they would prioritise an in-person meeting with that person first before turning to digital methods.
Gen Z values human connection in the workplace
The research also found that 29 per cent Gen Z workers prefer face-to-face communication more than any other method, though perhaps unsurprisingly, instant messaging follows closely at 25 per cent.
The findings showed that the preference for face-to-face communications isn't about convenience but because this younger generation places significant value on genuine and meaningful human connection, as 9 in 10 (90%) stated they have much stronger relationships with colleagues they see in person.
Despite many starting their careers in the pandemic, this generation places high value on human connection, particularly when it comes to mentorship and getting ahead, with 79 per cent choosing to discuss what is happening within their company in person than via virtual channels.
Gen Z is proactive in overcoming the challenges of digital communication
UKG’s research suggests that Gen Z is proactive in overcoming the communication challenges of digital platforms and are seeking out and pursuing training initiatives to enhance their communication skills.
The survey found that 7 in 10 (70%) of this young workforce recognize that their company offers training courses in communication.
Scott Euston, Senior Director of Product and Solution Consulting at UKG Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, said: “Our research has found that despite the convenience of virtual meetings and instant messaging, digital platforms can lead to more miscommunication and less engagement and contribution by New Zealand’s young workforce.
“But the country’s Gen Z are not succumbing to these challenges; instead, they are showcasing their resilience and determination by actively seeking opportunities to sharpen their communication skills and get ahead.
“As we navigate the evolving work landscape, let’s not overlook the value of human connections. By fostering an environment that values face-to-face communication, New Zealand businesses can create a more attractive, supportive and collaborative workplace for Gen Z. This approach can help businesses retain their talented workforce, and prevent them from going abroad for other opportunities.”
About UKG
At UKG, our purpose is people. As strong believers in the power of culture and belonging as the secret to success, we champion great workplaces and build lifelong partnerships with our customers to show what’s possible when businesses invest in their people. One of the world’s leading HCM cloud companies today, UKG and our Life-work Technology approach to HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions for all people helps more than 75,000 organisations around the globe and across every industry anticipate and adapt to their employees’ needs beyond just work. To learn more, visit www.ukg.com.au.