How Gen Z Communication Trends Are Transforming Training and Professional Development in Construction Firms

Safety training on the job using micro videos

 

The Gen Z Communication Style and the Construction Industry

The construction industry is experiencing a fundamental shift in how workers learn, communicate, and develop professionally. As Generation Z and young Millennials increasingly dominate entry-level and mid-career positions, their distinct communication preferences are reshaping everything from safety training to skill development, with significant implications for both training approaches and business outcomes. This is a crucial shift as construction companies adapt how to teach workers the trade skills they need on job sites and as they learn the teamwork and management skills as they develop their careers.

 

Gen Z Communication Style

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, has grown up as true digital natives. Unlike Millennials who adapted to technology as it emerged, Gen Z has never known a world without smartphones, social media, and instant access to information. This fundamental difference shapes how they prefer to receive, process, and retain information.

The statistics paint a clear picture: Gen Z watches an average of 68 videos per day across social media platforms, according to research from Pearson and Ipsos. Nearly 60% prefer learning on YouTube over apps, textbooks, or group activities, as reported in Pearson's "Beyond Millennials: The Next Generation of Learners" study conducted by The Harris Poll.

These aren't just preferences; they're deeply ingrained communication patterns. Research from Wichita State University reveals that forcing Gen Z employees into communication styles that don't align with their natural preferences can reduce productivity by up to 30%. The cost of ignoring these preferences is measurable and significant as construction companies seek to fill the

How to Communicate with Gen Z in the Workplace: The Impact on Training Approaches in Construction

Traditional training methods such as longer form instructor-led training, are increasingly ineffective with younger workers. But it's not because Gen Z and Millennials lack commitment to learning. In fact, 84% of Gen Z expect their first employer to provide formal training, according to Accenture's Gen Z Rising report, and learning and development consistently ranks in their top three reasons for choosing an employer, per Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey. The disconnect lies in delivery, not desire.

Research shows that 94% of Gen Z use mobile phones for educational purposes, and mobile learning demonstrates 45% higher retention rates for Gen Z when compared to traditional methods. This has led forward-thinking organizations to embrace micro-video learning: breaking complex topics into 3-5 minute video segments that can be consumed on smartphones, anytime and anywhere.

Balancing Speed with Depth

One of the biggest challenges organizations face is reconciling Gen Z's preference for quick, visual content with the reality that some skills, particularly in construction trades, require substantial time and hands-on practice to develop properly.

The solution isn't choosing between fast content and thorough training. Instead, companies can adopt blended approaches that honor both needs. Safety training, for example, can be delivered through short, engaging videos accessible on mobile devices, while complex technical skills are taught through a combination of microlearning modules and hands-on, experiential training with mentorship. Effective training programs can combine mobile-accessible video content with structured mentorship, peer collaboration, and real-world application.

How to Communicate with Gen Z: The Path Forward

The data is clear: Gen Z's communication preferences aren't a passing trend or a sign of diminished capability. They're a fundamental shift in how information is consumed and processed, shaped by growing up in a world of instant access and visual media.

Organizations that resist this shift will struggle to engage, train, and retain younger workers. A LinkedIn survey found that 72% of Gen Z is the most likely generation to leave a job because an employer didn't offer flexible approaches, and this extends to how they learn and communicate.

The technology and approaches needed to adapt to these communication preferences are readily available. Mobile learning platforms, micro-video creation tools, and digital communication channels are accessible to organizations of all sizes. Culture Coach can help your company to create engaging education content – safety, training, teamwork, and communication videos that engages Gen Z and that helps them to gain the skills you want them to have.

For construction companies facing a critical labor shortage, with 439,000 workers needed in 2025 according to Associated Builders and Contractors, and 41% of the current workforce expected to retire by 2031 per the National Center for Construction Education and Research, adapting training and communication approaches is essential. The companies that embrace these changes today will be the ones that successfully attract, develop, and retain the skilled workforce that will build our future.

Learn More: Join Our Upcoming Webinar: "Safety Training That Appeals to Gen Z and Millennial Construction Workers."

Want to dive deeper into how to transform your safety training for Gen Z and Millennial workers? Join us for our free 30-minute webinar, "Safety Training That Appeals to Gen Z and Millennial Construction Workers."

In this practical session, you'll discover who Gen Z and young Millennials are and what sets them apart, why video-based learning works for younger workers, and get an introduction to micro-video learning as a modern approach to safety training. You'll also see a real-world case study and walk away with 2-3 immediate action steps to begin adapting your training program.

Whether you're a safety director, training coordinator, project manager, or HR professional, this webinar will give you a clear framework for engaging the generation building our future, without compromising on compliance or rigor. Register now to secure your spot.