Younger workers avoid phone calls and it might cost them opportunities
6 hours ago
- #workplace challenges
- #communication skills
- #phone anxiety
- A survey of 2,000 Gen Zers and millennials found 42% avoid answering phone calls and 58% script conversations before making them.
- Among those avoiding phone calls, 78% reported losing earnings or opportunities due to this habit.
- The term 'callergy' describes reluctance to speak over the phone, with preference for texts, emails, and social media messages.
- Productivity experts note technology allows delaying real conversations, hindering communication skill development through practice.
- Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to missed opportunities, strained relationships, and unresolved issues.
- Some young workers, like a Gen Z HR professional, only overcome call anxiety during job searches and prefer scheduled calls with agendas.
- Younger generations have a complex device relationship, often preferring texting but also seeking digital detoxes to reduce screen time.
- In the survey, spontaneous calls were ranked as more stressful than breakups or job interviews for one in ten respondents.