Kartini’s Vision and the Current Reality for Working Mothers
April 22, 2025
Having a diverse workplace really helps companies grow because it brings in fresh ideas that boost creativity and innovation. But one challenge we face with increased diversity is the risk of miscommunication. People from different backgrounds often express themselves in unique ways, using different nonverbal cues, and their interpretations can vary quite a bit.
Workplace tensions are a common reality, and they can feel even more intense today with Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all collaborating together. Misunderstandings and conflicts often arise from differences in generational perspectives, communication styles, and shifting workplace norms.
Some of IBCWE’s company members even have noted communication challenges within their teams. The wide generational gap results in varied communication methods, which can lead to confusion, as each generation brings its own values, expectations, and communication preferences.
These varying communication preferences can lead to misunderstandings. For example, a Millennial manager might find a Baby Boomer’s preference for detailed, formal communication too rigid, while the Baby Boomer might view the Millennial’s preference for quick, informal updates (like those through messaging platforms) as lacking attention to detail. In reality, both are simply using the communication styles they are most comfortable with, and both styles are often essential for a well-functioning team.
What Can We Do?
To navigate these challenges and differences, it is crucial to adapt and change how we communicate with one another. Inclusive communication considers and respects individual diversity by breaking down barriers that may arise from cultural, linguistic, ability, background, and perspective differences.
It is not just about using the right words; it is about creating a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This requires ongoing effort, awareness, and a commitment to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion. When done right, it leads to greater innovation, collaboration, engagement, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Here are some key elements of inclusive communication:
- Being aware of different cultural communication styles and needs
- Using respectful and non-discriminatory language
- Practicing active listening and encouraging two-way dialogue
- Being open to different perspectives and ideas
The words and communication styles we use in the workplace every day significantly affect whether employees and colleagues feel valued and included. To foster inclusive communication across generations, we can start by aligning our understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
Providing training on inclusive communication and developing language guidelines can help eliminate bias and create a more welcoming environment. For example, using “kamu” (a neutral and corporate-friendly of ‘you’) instead of “elo” (a casual-nuanced of ‘you’), “chairperson” instead of “chairman,” or “pegawai” (In Bahasa Indonesia, it’s considered a more gender-neutral term for ‘employee’) instead of “karyawan/karyawati” (with gender markers -wan and -wati to refer to male and female employee) can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Inclusive communication is crucial for any workplace aiming to thrive in today’s diverse industry. Whether you are an employee or a leader, embracing inclusive communication is the right step toward creating an environment where all voices are valued and everyone has an equal opportunity to grow. This ultimately leads to organizational growth and a more harmonious workplace.
What about your workplace? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences below!
Written by Fellicca Patricia Madiadipura, Sales and Partnership Officer at IBCWE
