30 Jan 2025

E.T. phone home? Nope!

In a recent article, Korn Ferry, a global organisational consulting firm, highlighted an interesting trend among the younger generation, specifically those aged 18-34 (Gen Z and younger Millennials) This age group overwhelmingly prefers texting to making or receiving phone calls.

As per the article, a recent report revealed that only one in four UK residents within this age bracket ever pick up a voice or audio call, especially if they don't recognise the number or aren't expecting the call. This behaviour starkly contrasts with older generations (for this article that’s anyone over 34! – Ed), raising concerns about potential miscommunications on important matters due to this generational gap.

The article also referenced another report that named Gen Z as "the first digital natives," perhaps making this shift in communication preferences understandable. This generation's embrace of new technology has led to the creation of new, unspoken rules. When asked why they avoid answering unexpected calls, recent graduates cited three main reasons:

Safety Concerns: The primary reason is to protect themselves from cyber scammers who might capture voiceprints to steal money.

Avoiding Interruptions: They prefer not to have their activities interrupted by unexpected calls.

Control Over Communication: Texting allows them to control the flow and timing of their interactions.

This shift in communication preferences highlights the evolving landscape of how different generations interact and the importance of understanding these changes to bridge potential communication gaps.

Click here to read the full article.