By: Michaela Williams, Senior Marketing Consultant, Engage
From Boomers to Gen Alpha, internal communications must evolve to stay relevant—and resonate.
Today’s workforce spans five generations, each shaped by different experiences, technologies, and expectations. For internal communicators, this isn’t just a fun fact, it’s a call to rethink how we deliver messages so they land with everyone.
What worked five years ago may no longer be effective. Mass emails, static intranet posts, and corporate jargon often miss the mark—especially for digital-native employees who prioritize speed, authenticity, and interaction.
But newer formats alone won’t engage everyone either. The key is balance: combining the familiar with the fresh, and creating flexible strategies that adapt to a range of preferences.
The generational landscape
Understanding how each generation prefers to communicate can help you tailor your messages more effectively.
Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964)
- Preferred channels: email, face-to-face
- Ideal format: Detailed written messages, formal announcements, FAQs, structured documents
- Tone: Clear, professional, purposeful
Gen X (1965–1980)
- Preferred channels: Email, company intranet
- Ideal format: Concise emails, bullet-point summaries, straightforward guides
- Tone: Clear, direct, pragmatic
Millennials (1981–1996)
- Preferred channels: Collaboration tools like Slack/Teams, social intranet platforms
- Ideal format: Videos, infographics, interactive content
- Tone: Collaborative, authentic, storytelling
Gen Z (1997–2012)
- Preferred channels: Social-style platforms (e.g., Viva Engage, Workvivo), chat platforms like Slack and Teams
- Ideal format: Video, chat messages, social feed-style posts
- Tone: Transparent, informal, socially conscious
Gen Alpha (2013–)
- Preferred channels: Emerging mobile-first platforms, personalized apps, AI-driven messaging platforms
- Ideal format: Short video, quick notifications, social feed-style posts
- Tone: Personalized, to the point, informal
With such a wide range of preferences and communication habits, relying on a single communication channel or tone means you’ll inevitably miss the mark with part of your workforce. Remember, however, that preferences can vary. Don’t rely solely on age – observe how your teams actually communicate and respond.
What works: multi-channel, multi-tone messaging
To meet people where they are, we need to rethink not just what we say but how, where, and when we say it. Using what we know about generational preferences, here are some creative ways to ensure your internal messages stick:
- Pairing a crisp summary in Teams with a deeper dive on the intranet: This will help you gain the attention of your digital-first employees—like Millennials and Gen Z—who want quick updates at a glance, while also linking to a more detailed explanation on the intranet gives your Gen X and Boomer employees the context and structure they tend to value.
- Sharing a short video update alongside a written transcript: For younger generations who are used to consuming content on TikTok or YouTube, video can be a great tool to get them engaged. But not everyone is used to getting important information through video. Including a transcript or written article that shares the same information ensures no one misses the message.
- Using social-style tools (like Viva Engage or Workvivo) to create dialogue, not just announcements: Social platforms often feel familiar to younger employees and encourage real-time engagement, making them great for Gen Alpha, Gen Z and Millennials who expect communication to be two-way. Plus, Boomers and Gen X benefit too—especially when these tools are used to build community or gather feedback.
It’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to internal communications won’t cut it. After all, some Boomers may love Slack, and some Gen Zers might prefer email. This isn’t just about getting employees’ attention, it’s about inclusion. Every employee should see themselves reflected in how your company communicates.
Need help bridging the gaps in your internal communications?
At Advito, we help companies connect with every corner of their workforce—no matter the generation. Whether you’re rolling out a hybrid work model, launching a new policy, or simply trying to improve message engagement, we’ll help you turn corporate updates into meaningful conversations.
Ready to build communications that resonate across generations? Let’s talk. We’ll help you create campaigns that cut through the noise—and speak to everyone, wherever and however they work.