Every generation has its own quirks. As someone in my forties who has experienced the shift from dial-up internet to TikTok, I’ve witnessed the gap between older and younger groups. Rather than creating a divide, I’m curious about the different habits—what feels comfortable to boomers may seem outdated to Gen Z. Let’s dive into these contrasts.
1. Phone Calls vs. Texts
For many boomers, picking up the phone is second nature. A live conversation feels respectful and genuine. But for Gen Z, an unexpected call can be jarring. They prefer texts for clarity and convenience. I learned this when a Gen Z colleague would leave my calls hanging, responding with concise bullet-point texts.
To bridge this gap, it helps to ask first: “Do you have a moment for a quick call?” This way, everyone is on the same page.
2. Paper vs. Digital
Boomers often rely on printed materials—boarding passes, bills, and checkbooks—finding comfort in the tangible. In contrast, Gen Z has embraced digital solutions, opting for scans and PDFs.
When I worked in finance, I loved having paper in meetings. Now, I see the value of an organized digital folder. A simple rule I follow: if something is likely to be irrelevant in under a day, go digital. A compromise? Snap a picture of important documents before recycling them.
3. Meetings
Long, drawn-out meetings can feel necessary to boomers for team alignment. However, Gen Z often views them as a waste of time. With tools that allow for async communication, many see meetings as cumbersome.
As productivity expert Cal Newport says, “Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” Before scheduling a meeting, I now ask, “What decision do we need to make?” If there’s no clear purpose, we skip it.
4. Dress Codes
Boomers might see formal attire as a sign of respect. In contrast, Gen Z often finds rigid dress codes stifling. They favor authenticity over tradition.
When I relaxed my own dress code, I felt more confident and spoke with clarity. A reasonable approach might be to embrace neat and culturally inclusive styles without enforcing sameness.
5. Casual Stops
Boomers often remember a time when unexpected drop-ins from neighbors were common. For Gen Z, those sudden visits can feel intrusive. They prefer scheduling visits in advance to ensure comfort.
A quick text saying “Are you free for a visit?” can make all the difference, leading to richer conversations.
6. Television Viewing
Many boomers still appreciate scheduled programming, while Gen Z enjoys streaming on their terms—usually without ads. This reflects a deeper shift in values, with younger viewers curating content that resonates with their interests.
Watching a documentary made by a young filmmaker reminds me how diverse our media landscape has become. Maybe we can find a middle ground through shared viewing experiences, like a sports game.
7. Emailing Trends
Boomers tend to craft extensive emails, while Gen Z often favors quick, conversational chats through platforms like Slack. Long emails can come off as one-sided, while real-time tools allow for dynamic discussions.
If an email requires nuance, I schedule a call. For quick action items, bullet points work best. And let’s keep “reply all” to a minimum; nobody wants endless chains of “Thanks!”
8. Materialism vs. Minimalism
Boomers often cherish physical items that hold memories, whereas Gen Z values experiences and simplicity. As Marie Kondo famously asked, “Does it spark joy?”
Recently, I cleared out old files, saving only a few for nostalgia’s sake. Minimalism is about valuing meaning over clutter.
9. Face-to-Face Interactions
Many boomers favor in-person meetings for trust and connection. However, Gen Z views online interactions as just another option, realizing they can build communities and networks virtually.
Psychologist Sherry Turkle warns about screens replacing human connection. But many Gen Z folks use technology as a way to bring people together intentionally. The question becomes: which mode fosters our relationship best?
Ultimately, these differences reflect a shared need for respect, effectiveness, and connection. Boomers often lean toward traditions that worked for them, while Gen Z seeks flexibility. By understanding these styles, we can learn from each other.
As a small experiment this week, try flipping one of your routines. If you usually call, send a text first. If you write long emails, summarize your points. Observe the changes and see how this adaptation feels.
Remember, we’re all a mix of different habits—let’s replace what doesn’t work with what does.
For additional insights, explore this article on communication styles here.
Let’s keep adjusting, one small step at a time.
