The newest generation of workers are now graduating and entering the workforce. When they arrive at the office, however, employers are discovering that these Gen Z employees are missing key skills, specifically in the areas of office etiquette, dress code norms and the professional behavior necessary for in-person interactions.
After a rapid switch to remote college courses during the pandemic and then a hybrid return to classes, this generation has experienced a deficiency in soft skills that were previously learned by simply being in proximity to mentors and colleagues on campus and on the job.
Surprisingly, this age group overwhelmingly says it wants to work in-person, rather than remote. The Wall Street Journal reported that 53% of 2023 graduates prefer this work structure, citing a TimelyCare study. To be successful once on staff, however, companies will need to lead the way in retraining this new influx of employees to help them regain ground.
These soft skill-based retraining programs do not have to be hard-to-replicate, intricate sessions. Instead, they simply need to focus on office basics and how-to’s: talking to people face-to-face, making eye contact, how to introduce yourself, what proper email replies consist of and how to identify body language cues that signal a conversation is over. This generation also benefits when employers overcommunicate the details of what to expect, explaining everything from what the first day will look like to what their coworkers like to do for lunch.
Onboarding doesn’t end once an employee is hired. As the youngest members of the team work to integrate into staff culture, companies would be wise to choose a mindset that makes room for them to practice, learn and improve the skills that make everyday office life more meaningful and effective.
