Texting for business? yes!We love talking about millennials, and with millennials becoming the majority (not the entirety) of the workforce, an adjustment in how we communicate in business has exploded across many generations.
Several months ago during a talk with a group of millennials, the topic of on-the-job communication styles surfaced, confirming that it’s an ideal time to slowly pivot and adjust for the future. Why? Many are applauding the tech and social media smarts of millennials. This generation may very well be one of the most intelligent to come around and change how we interact and communicate not only personally but within our professions.
While the majority of corporate communications rely on email, which is without question a necessity, the under-30 group shared their views on this changing. Most expressed concern over the amount of time spent to review, read and respond to email, especially when compared to the option of texting.
With inboxes dominating a significant amount of our days, the millennials shared a philosophy about email being a workplace culprit, costing employers a major loss of valuable time. Texting, on the other hand, can be the most efficient tool for business communications (both internally and externally), due to its easy, quick-response and personal, yes, “personal,” nature.
In my product development role, juggling several communication methods is a skill-set must. Multiple emails, texts, phone calls, messaging apps and social media platforms are consistently checked thanks to my own philosophy of prompt replies. The millennials sold me on the professional benefits of quick view, condensed content, real-time texting, and when compared to email, how a business text actually projects a heightened sense of attention or urgency.
Interesting enough, they also expressed how text communications carry a more intimate tone which often is lost in email communications. This younger generation also shared that texting is their preferred option for shorter communications recognizing it’s not necessarily the best method for situations requiring more detail.
In my opinion, the millennials are indeed impacting the future of communications in business. How has your communication methods changed in the workplace? Has your business-related text volume increased? And what percentage of your business communications is done via email, text and phone?
Sherri Scheck-Merrill, vice president, Amenity Services, Tustin, California
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