Does Generation Ys dependence on text-based communication make them poor communicators in the workplace?
Human resource practitioners think not, but added the caveat that pure text-based communication can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. In an e-mail interview with ZDNet Asia, Peter Haglund, country manager of Manpower Staffing Services Singapore, said styles of communication are bound to change over generations. David Yong, manager of recruitment firm JAC Singapore, added that he does not think Gen Y lacks communication skills and that it is only the mode and style of communication that differentiate them from other generations. Gen Y’s preference for communicating via text messages stems from growing up in the digital age. “With the widespread use of modern and sophisticated electronic gadgets, Gen Y employees are relying more on these devices to communicate with each other,” said Yong. “For instance, they prefer to send e-mail messages or text messages instead of communicating with other people over the phone or meeting face-to face at work or at play.” However, relying on gadgets
