Generation Z includes those who were born between 1997 through 2012, or more simply put, children and young adults who are currently between the ages of 10 and 27 years old. But no matter how we define Gen Z, we can conclude this generation is found in large numbers on our campuses, currently making up a big portion of our student bodies. Therefore, it is likely that Gen Z is also making up the majority of the workers in recreation centers on campuses across the country.
Because the number of Gen Z workers is on the rise, it is important we understand how to communicate with this group as many of their values and preferences differ from previous generations. Here is a closer look at what recreation leaders should know about communicating with Gen Z and how to put this knowledge into practice.
Communication with Gen Z Needs to be Concise
Research shows Gen Z has an even shorter attention span than previous generations and often split their time between five different screens — note: millennials only use up to three screens at a time. While Gen Z is skilled at multi-tasking, it leaves them hyper-selective of the information they retain. This means it’s likely some of the things we communicate with our students could be easily lost in the information they choose to retain. To overcome this, we need to be able to provide the need-to-know or most important information while leaving out the less important details.
How to Implement This
In written communication, using lists instead of long paragraphs and bullet points versus drawn out sentences allows Gen Z workers to more easily scan the information and remember the information that pertains to them.
Communication with Gen Z Should be Visual
Using visuals can also be an effective way for communicating with our student workers. Gen Z spends a lot of their time absorbing visual and video media, and they are more likely to share visual content over written content on their own social media channels.
How to Implement This
- Next time you want to send an announcement or reminder — for example, about an upcoming staff meeting — try sending a visual that looks like a social media post with five words or less.
- Instead of writing down directions on how to perform a task, try recording a video and sharing it with your staff.
Digital Preference Doesn’t Mean Impersonal
Young people are constantly surrounded by messaging, whether through TV or internet advertisements, social media, or text messages and alerts. One key for communication is to cut through all of the noise to capture the attention of Gen Z. In fact, research shows while texting may be the preferred method of communication for Gen Z, one-on-one communication is the most effective way to reach them.
As leaders, it is important we remember to provide a personal touch in our communication with students. It can be easy to get lost in the use of technology as a means of communicating as it often makes it easier for both ourselves and the students.
EXTRA CREDIT: Here are other effective ways to engage Gen Z students and employees.
For instance, when something needs to be addressed with a student worker who is not at work at the same time as us, we may want to shoot them a text message. And in some situations, texting is still an appropriate way to communicate. However, in situations where we want our communication to be meaningful, it is necessary to remember that face-to-face is more important than it often gets credit for.
In addition, it is important we give our young adults quality face-to-face time in order to really get to know them. Their communication from leadership should go beyond emails and texts with work announcements.
How to Implement This
- It is a good idea to walk around our recreation facilities and get to know the staff by asking them how their semester is going, what projects they are working on and what interests they have outside of work or school.
- When an issue needs to be addressed, try messaging a staff member and asking them to come by and meet face-to-face to discuss it. This will not only help them remember the conversation versus just reading a message, but it will be easier for them to understand certain tones and expectations.
