THE new workforce is characterized by tech-savvy millennials, whose digital proficiency aligns with the nimbleness valued in today's workplace. However, this strength comes with a downside: excessive use of digital devices and messaging apps can lead to a decline in emotional intelligence (EI).
EI is the ability to recognize, understand, manage and effectively use emotions in oneself and others. It involves skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation, which are crucial for better communication, relationship-building and decision-making.
Excessive use of social media can reduce face-to-face interactions, which are essential for developing and practicing EI skills like empathy, reading body language, and effective communication.
Poor communication stemming from millennials' difficulty in understanding and expressing emotions can lead to frequent misunderstandings and conflicts in various interpersonal interactions.
The inability to articulate one's own feelings may result in projecting unclear or inconsistent messages, causing misrepresentations or assumptions about intentions, and leading to disagreements.
A lack of emotional awareness can hinder the ability to perceive subtle cues in communication, such as body language or tone of voice, which are crucial for understanding others' emotions and perspectives.
These communication barriers can escalate tensions, strain relationships and perpetuate cycles of misunderstanding and conflict unless addressed through improved emotional intelligence and clearer, more empathetic communication practices.
The excessive use of social media platforms like WhatsApp and TikTok has been linked to anxiety, depression, and loneliness among millennials, significantly impacting emotional regulation and social skills.
These mental health issues lead to difficulty in managing stress, resulting in decreased productivity and job satisfaction. Millennials affected by these issues may struggle with effective communication and teamwork, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts with colleagues.
The sense of loneliness exacerbated by social media can hinder the ability to build strong relationships and networks, which are crucial for growth and collaboration.
Addressing the mental health impacts of social media usage is essential for fostering a healthier, more supportive, and productive work environment for millennials.
Another destabilising aspect of the workplace is the superficial relationships fostered by social media, which can undermine emotional intelligence.
When interactions are shallow and lack depth, employees find it difficult to build genuine connections with colleagues. This can lead to a lack of trust, making teamwork less effective and increasing the likelihood of conflicts.
Without meaningful interactions, employees may also struggle with providing and receiving constructive feedback, leading to stagnation in personal and professional growth. Ultimately, the prevalence of superficial relationships can create a disconnected and less cohesive work environment, impeding overall productivity and job satisfaction.
To counter the decline in emotional intelligence due to excessive use of social media, organizations can promote face-to-face communication. This can be achieved through regular in-person meetings, team-building activities, and collaborative projects that help develop EI skills such as empathy, reading body language, and effective communication.
Furthermore, fostering a culture of open, honest, and respectful dialogue is essential for improving overall communication within the workplace.
Cisco Systems, a multinational technology company, actively addresses the decline in emotional intelligence and promotes face-to-face communication among its employees. It encourages employees to participate in regular team-building activities, workshops, and networking events that emphasize in-person communication.
Cisco also provides training programs on emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to help employees navigate social interactions effectively.
By fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that values face-to-face communication, Cisco hopes to mitigate the negative effects of excessive social media use and enhance emotional intelligence among its workforce.
Cisco's initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to maintaining a balanced and emotionally intelligent workplace culture amidst digital advancements.
Organisations can also address the mental health impacts of social media by providing comprehensive support services. Offering counseling, mental health workshops, and stress management programs can help employees cope with anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Additionally, promoting a healthy work-life balance and encouraging digital detoxes can alleviate the negative effects of excessive screen time.
An example of this is Google, which offers mental health support programs including confidential counseling services, mindfulness training, and access to mental health resources. Google also promotes a healthy work-life balance and encourages digital detox practices among employees.
To foster deeper and more meaningful relationships, organizations should create opportunities for employees to connect on a personal level.
Organising social events, mentorship programs, and cross-departmental collaborations can build trust and camaraderie among colleagues.
By facilitating these personal connections, employees can develop stronger bonds and a more cohesive work environment. An example of this approach is Southwest Airlines, which focuses on creating a family-like culture among its employees.
They organise events such as "Spirit Parties" and team celebrations to foster camaraderie and trust. Southwest Airlines encourages open communication and teamwork, allowing employees to form deeper relationships beyond their professional roles.
By implementing these strategies, organisations can enhance emotional intelligence, improve mental health, and foster stronger relationships, ultimately leading to a more supportive, cohesive and productive workplace.