Managers say Gen Zers aren't getting work done and lack basic social skills

Many of us have stretched the truth about our proficiency in tools like Excel or PowerPoint to secure a job, relying on on-the-job learning to master these skills. However, Gen Z is challenging this norm, emphasizing the need for better preparation in the skills that employers value most.

While the pandemic has emphasized the importance of soft skills, Gen Z sees the real gap in their technical competencies. According to a recent survey conducted by Adobe, over 48% of Gen Z respondents expressed a desire for more training in hard skills at work, in contrast to the 33% who felt the need for additional soft skills training.

The pandemic's impact on social skills has been palpable, particularly in the workplace, where the rules of engagement and location have been rewritten. Managers are particularly concerned about the newest entrants to the workforce, fearing that remote learning during lockdowns and graduation into a remote-centric world may have hindered the development of soft skills such as communication and networking.

To address this shortfall, some prominent consulting firms, including Big Four, are offering etiquette classes designed to bridge the soft skills gap. These courses cover various aspects like non-verbal communication, storytelling, presentation skills, and leadership skills tailored for hybrid work environments. EY, one of the leading consulting firms, has initiated such programs to enhance the skills of their younger employees.

However, there appears to be a disconnect between the skills that employers believe their junior employees need and the skills that these employees believe are necessary. The Adobe survey revealed that slightly more than a quarter (28%) of Gen Z individuals feel that their current roles do not fully utilize their skill sets and potential. This misalignment is not surprising, given that many in this generation feel that the American education system has not adequately prepared them for the workforce.

Over a third of Gen Z respondents believe that their education has not equipped them with the digital skills required to advance in their careers, according to a global survey by Dell Technologies. Furthermore, over half (56%) admitted to having received little to no education in basic digital skills, highlighting a significant gap in their training.