A recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey reveals that while 72% of employed U.S. job seekers believe their company fosters a safe and trusting environment for honest communication, generational differences are evident. Gen Z and millennials are notably more confident in workplace communication than their Gen X counterparts, with 76% of Gen Z and 77% of millennials reporting confidence, compared to just 62% of Gen X.
- Confidence in Communication Across Generations
- Gen Z and millennials are leading the way in feeling comfortable with workplace communication, showing higher trust in their environment compared to Gen X.
- Despite this, only 45% of employees feel comfortable discussing personal issues that affect their work with their managers, with a significant gap between younger and older generations.
- Challenges in Discussing Personal Issues
- Gen Z (46%) and millennials (53%) are more likely to feel comfortable discussing personal issues at work, whereas boomers and seniors (24%) find it more difficult to address such concerns.
- A notable 16% of employed job seekers report that they do not feel they can speak candidly about their concerns with anyone at their job.
- Manager vs. Peer Communication
- While 86% of hiring managers believe their company promotes a safe and trusting environment, there is a disconnect between the belief of managers and the experiences of employees.
- Managers (68%) and peers (57%) are seen as the most common channels for employees to voice concerns, suggesting a need for clear and open lines of communication between all levels of the organization.
- The Role of Business Leaders in Fostering Honest Communication
- Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International, emphasizes the importance of equipping business leaders with the right tools and training to encourage honest conversations.
- This includes adapting communication strategies to suit the unique preferences of different generations to ensure effective dialogue across age groups.
While a majority of U.S. job seekers report that their company fosters a safe and open communication environment, generational divides still impact how confident employees feel about discussing issues with managers and peers. Addressing these differences through tailored training and communication strategies is key to fostering a truly transparent and effective workplace.
