Bridging the Gap: Hunt Electric’s Chris Rollins on Cross-Generational Communication

EAGAN, MN – August 2025 – Communication is at the heart of every successful team, but what happens when Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z all bring their own styles and expectations to the workplace? On the Beyond the Breaker podcast, Hunt Electric’s Corporate Safety Director, Chris Rollins, tackled this challenge head-on, sharing insights from his own career and offering strategies for bridging generational divides.

Communication Superpowers of Gen Z

When asked whether Gen Z’s ability to communicate across multiple platforms is their “superpower,” Rollins didn’t hesitate. “True,” he said. “They’re better at communicating in different ways. They can adapt, whether it’s Snapchat, text, or messaging.”

Rollins shared a personal example: while phone calls often go unanswered with his son, a Snapchat message is instant. This adaptability, he noted, could reshape the future of workplace communication—if older generations embrace it rather than resist.

Difficult Conversations Across Generations

The podcast also dove into who handles tough conversations best. While Boomers are often credited with a direct, no-nonsense style, Rollins believes Gen X may hold the edge. “As a Gen Xer, I’ve had to learn to talk with Boomers, my peers, and now my kids. You get practice adjusting, and that makes a difference,” he explained.

Rollins emphasized that empathy is essential, especially with younger employees. “Clear expectations are good for all generations,” he said, but noted that Gen Z often needs to hear the “why” behind a task to feel connected to it. “If you say ‘because I said so,’ that doesn’t work anymore.”

Choosing the Right Platform

From emails to phone calls to DMs, Rollins stressed the importance of knowing your audience. “Direct conversations are always best,” he said. “With text or messaging, you lose tone. If someone’s having a bad day, they might read your words the wrong way.”

He admitted that voicemail feels outdated – “Please don’t leave me a voicemail” – but underscored the value of timely responses, whether by call, text, or follow-up email.

Bridging the Gap in the Field

For Rollins, the real challenge comes on construction job sites, where generations often work side by side—even within the same family. “What motivates younger workers is belonging and inclusiveness,” he said. “Boomers got where they are by putting in the hours and paying their dues. Both approaches are valid, but to be effective, you have to pivot your communication style depending on who you’re talking to.”

Rollins encouraged managers to actively adapt their strategies. “If you have different generational reports, you need to figure out how to reach them—or you’re going to lose them,” he said.

Looking Ahead

As the workforce continues to evolve, Rollins believes adaptability is the key. “Communication is changing radically,” he said. “What works for you might not work for everyone else. You’ve got to be willing to meet people where they’re at.”

Whether through humor, honesty, or a well-timed Snapchat, Rollins’s message was clear: strong communication builds strong teams, no matter the generation.