Leveraging Generative AI to Bridge the Generational Divide in Internal Comms
By Sherin Hamdan, Business Development Executive, Keel Comms
Stepping into the fast-paced and competitive realm of the business world as a young professional, I was eager to make my mark, convinced that my academic excellence would be the key to my success. However, the reality was quite different.
The Realization
Navigating through the corporate labyrinth, I quickly realized that the business world is not just about equations, theories, and models. It's about people, relationships, and most importantly, effective communication. It was during team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and even casual conversations that I understood the significance of intergenerational communication in the workplace.
In today’s diverse workplace environment, spanning from seasoned veterans to ambitious millennials, everyone has a unique communication style. While some prefer formal emails, others leaned towards quick text messages or instant chat platforms. There are times when these differences could lead to miscommunication, confusion, and even conflict – impacting both morale and productivity. Generative A.I. can adapt to different languages, contexts, norms, and tones of voice, thereby facilitating cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
The Solution: Generative A.I.
We all know what generative A.I. is, but how can it help bridge the generational gap in workplace communication?
Generative A.I. can tailor communication to suit the preferences of different generations. From generating formal emails for more traditional employees to creating concise and casual messages for the younger generation, AI ensures that everyone receives information in a format they are most comfortable with. This in turn helps foster better understanding and engagement across all age groups within organizations.
Real-life Applications
Imagine a scenario where an organization needs to disseminate an important company-wide announcement. Generative A.I. could craft personalized messages, catering to the communication style preferred by each generation; a concise email for Generation X, a visually engaging infographic for millennials, and a short video update for Generation Z. By delivering content that resonates with each generation, generative A.I. can help create a more inclusive and effective communication ecosystem.
Real-world examples further demonstrate the transformative impact of Generative A.I. on internal communication. Companies across various industries have successfully implemented this technology to bridge generational divides. For instance, a financial institution has recently used Generative AI to develop interactive training modules that catered to different learning styles, resulting in increased employee engagement and knowledge retention.
What the Future Holds
As we move forward, I believe generative A.I. will play a crucial role in bridging the generational gap in workplace communication. It will foster a culture of understanding, inclusivity, and collaboration. It will enable businesses to leverage the unique strengths of each generation, creating a synergy that drives innovation and growth.
It's important to remember that A.I. is a tool, not a replacement for human interaction. While generative AI can enhance communication, it cannot replace the empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence that human communication offers.
As we embrace a mosaic of the generational workforce, we must also continue to nurture our direct and personal human connections, creating a balance that truly harnesses the best of both worlds.
