Gen Z workplace communication decoded: texting vs. calls, mental health disclosure
Boston University researcher explains how generational differences in communication styles create workplace misunderstandings.
What to know
- Gen Z learned to communicate under different conditions—pandemic remote work, texting, and mental health transparency—not because they communicate better or worse, but differently.
- Generational friction stems from different meanings attached to communication methods: Gen Z texting about lateness (respecting time) vs. Gen X/Boomer expecting calls (signaling seriousness).
- Managers must explicitly state communication expectations rather than assume younger workers share the same professional norms about when to call, text, or disclose personal issues.
“The result isn't necessarily that Gen Z employees communicate better or worse with their bosses and colleagues than previous generations did.”
Jeff LeBlanc, Learning Facilitator for Online Master of Business Administration, Boston University · The Conversation US ↗
Jeff LeBlanc Learning Facilitator, Boston University OMBA
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The Conversation promotes article on Mastodon
The Conversation US shared the article on Mastodon with a summary highlighting the texting vs. calling divide and noting different definitions of professionalism across generations.
“Gen Z texts. Gen X calls. And everyone has a different idea of what "professional" means.”
— The Conversation US -
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Gen Z texts. Gen X calls. And everyone has a different idea of what “professional” means. Here’s your guide to decoding the multigenerational workplace: https:// theconversation.com/gen-z-comm unicates-differently-in-the-workplace-but-older-colleagues-can-still-decode-them-292108
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Article republished across multiple news outlets
The Conversation's article on Gen Z workplace communication was syndicated and republished by Phys.org, ETHRWorld.com, Deccan Herald, and Google News beginning 2026-09-25 at 15:00Z.
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LeBlanc examines mental health disclosure as source of generational workplace tension
A Gen Z worker at a New England blue-collar company disclosed severe anxiety to his baby boomer manager. The manager was sympathetic but uncomfortable, questioning whether he needed to know personal details. LeBlanc notes older workers learned professionalism means separating personal and professional life, while Gen Z comes of age when mental health discussions are more public.
“It made me feel uncomfortable, if I'm being honest. I didn't want to downplay his anxiety, but I'm not sure I needed to know.”
— Baby boomer manager -
background
LeBlanc identifies texting vs. calling divide as key example of workplace friction — LeBlanc describes a café employee who texted her Gen X owner that she was running late, thinking it was more considerate of his time, while he interpreted the text as disrespectfully casual and expected a phone call. He argues both had valid interpretations of respectful communication, but completely different definitions.
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background
Boston University researcher publishes study on Gen Z workplace communication — Jeff LeBlanc, a learning facilitator at Boston University, published analysis of how generational differences in communication styles create workplace misunderstandings. He argues Gen Z workers don't communicate better or worse, but learned under different circumstances including the COVID-19 pandemic.
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first by Deccan Herald, 3d ago · also The Conversation US
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