Bridging the Gap: Instilling Office & Email Etiquette in a Multigenerational Workforce

In the world of protocol, etiquette, and event operations, collaboration is the name of the game. But with four generations now working side-by-side and one on the way (Gen Alpha), effective communication isn’t always automatic. From email etiquette to office conduct, what feels natural to one generation may feel outdated—or even rude—to someone. So how do we create a workplace where respect, clarity, and professionalism transcend generational gaps?

Let’s talk about it.

I. Why Etiquette Still Matters

In a world of emojis, remote work, and rapid-fire group chats, the word etiquette might sound old-fashioned. But make no mistake: etiquette isn’t about being stuffy—it’s about being intentional. It’s how we show respect, build trust, and avoid unnecessary friction.

For teams in protocol, event operations, and etiquette, where precise timing, details, and interpersonal relationships are everything, strong communication norms aren’t optional—they’re mission-critical.

II. Who’s in the Room? Understanding the Generations

Understanding generational dynamics can prevent miscommunication and boost team cohesion. Each generation brings unique strengths—and preferences—to the table. Here’s a quick snapshot of who you’re working with:

Baby Boomers (1946–1964): Prefer formal, face-to-face communication and clear documentation.

Gen X (1965–1980): Value efficiency, directness, and independence.

Millennials (1981–1996): Tech-savvy and informal; expect quick feedback and collaboration.

Gen Z (1997–2012): Mobile-first communicators who thrive on visuals and speed.

Gen Alpha (2013–Present): Not in the workforce yet—but growing up with AI, voice assistants, and real-time everything.

III. Spotting the Gaps: Where Etiquette Breaks Down

Here are a few common friction points:

• Email tone: Boomers may expect formal greetings and sign-offs; Gen Z might shoot off one-liners with no punctuation.

• Response expectations: Millennials and Gen Z may expect replies within minutes. Gen X may prioritize batching responses.

• Meeting culture: Boomers love agendas. Millennials love collaboration. Gen Z prefers to skip meetings altogether if it can be a DM.

• Professional boundaries: Gen X tends to keep work and personal life separate; Millennials may treat coworkers like close friends.

None of these approaches are wrong—they’re just different.

IV. Setting the Standard: What Leaders Can Do

1. Create a “common language” of professionalism.

Set baseline expectations for tone, format, and response times. Not everyone needs to write like a college professor—but professionalism should be the rule, not the exception.

2. Model it.

Leadership sets the tone. When managers send emails with typos, cryptic messages, or emoji overload, the team will follow suit.

3. Train for it.

Etiquette can be taught—and it should be. Our free Multigenerational Etiquette Tip Sheet includes quick-reference best practices and email samples for every generation.

4. Give grace.

Remember: everyone has a different communication “default setting.” Assume good intent, ask clarifying questions, and be willing to explain your preferences.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a corporate overhaul to improve communication. Sometimes, it’s as simple as:

• Clarifying expectations

• Offering templates

• And reminding your team that good etiquette is really just good teamwork.

In the fast-paced world, better communication means better outcomes—and a better experience for everyone involved.