- 61 per cent of Gen Z have experienced a miscommunication at work as a result of using email or another digital communication tool.
- 48 per cent of Gen Z find it difficult to speak up or contribute in video conference meetings
- 42 per cent of Gen Z prefer face-to-face communication at work, likely as a result of these workplace woes.
Despite the stereotype of Gen Z as a digital-first generation, new research commissioned by UKG and conducted by YouGov finds that these young entrants into the Australian workforce prefer face-to-face communication at work over any other digital communication method.
Gen Z values human connection in the workplace over digital communication tools.
In today’s digital age, the survey of 1,021 Australian workers found that 42 per cent of Gen Z workers prefer face-to-face communication over any other digital communication method, including email (18%), instant messaging (15%), text (12%), telephone (9%) and video conferencing (4%).
The research also showed that the preference for face-to-face communications isn't merely about convenience but because this younger generation places significant value on genuine and meaningful human connection, as 8 in 10 (80%) 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 80 per cent choosing to discuss what is happening within their company in person than via virtual channels.
Digital-first communication creates barriers – and Gen Z wants to break them down.
While digital platforms, like Outlook, Teams or Slack, have benefits, they can also create barriers to clear and effective communication. UKG’s research found that more than sixty percent (61%) of Gen Z respondents admitted to experiencing miscommunications at work because they used email or another digital communication tool.
Additionally, 48 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 (57%).
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’s a conflict at work, they would prioritise an in-person meeting with that person first, before turning to digital methods.
Gen Z is proactive in overcoming the complexities of hybrid and remote work.
UKG’s research suggests that despite the miscommunication and contribution challenges of digital platforms, Gen Z is proactive in seeking out and pursuing training initiatives to refine and enhance their communication skills.
The survey found that this young workforce is the most likely to recognize that their company offers training courses in communication (69%), compared to Millennials (65%), Gen X (45%) and Baby Boomers (37%)
Aaron Throne, Vice President & Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, said: “While often characterised as a generation glued to their screens, Gen Z champions the enduring power of face-to-face interaction in the workplace.
“They recognise that meaningful connections and true collaboration are forged in person, not through pixels.
"Our research has found that despite virtual meetings and instant messaging allowing us the convenience of working from the comfort of our own homes, there are some drawbacks to this digital-first communication. However, Gen Z is 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 landscape of work, let’s not overlook the value of human connections and follow in the footsteps of Gen Z, who are paving the way for a more connected, hybrid workplace."
About UKG
At UKG, our purpose is people. We are on a mission to inspire every organisation to become a great place to work through HCM and WFM technology built for all. More than 80,000 organisations across all sizes, industries, and geographies trust UKG HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture cloud solutions to drive great workplace experiences and make better, more confident people and business decisions. With the world’s largest collection of people data, work data, and culture data combined with rich experience using artificial intelligence in the service of people, we connect culture insights with business outcomes to show what’s possible when organisations invest in their people. To learn more, visit ukg.com.au.