Gen Z in the Workforce: Navigating Soft Skills and Creating Customer Value

The new class of college graduates entering the workforce in the post-pandemic era is facing a mix of optimism and challenges. With a more flexible learning environment during the pandemic, these graduates might possess greater adaptability, but they could lack experience in navigating workplace cultures.

Soft skills have been highlighted as essential by leaders, surpassing technical skills in importance. However, many hiring managers perceive Gen Z as the toughest group to work with, a sentiment echoed by Gen Z managers themselves.

One prominent figure in this discourse is Ian Elliott, the chief people officer at PwC‘s UK business, emphasizing the need for new entrants to understand why they were hired and how to add value to their roles.

Matthew Saxon, the chief people officer at Zoom, stresses the importance of self-awareness and creating customer value in the workplace. He advocates for understanding the customer value chain and one’s role within it to drive success.

Zoom’s quarterly check-ins focus on setting priorities for the upcoming quarter, reflecting on successes and areas for improvement, and exploring development opportunities within current and future roles.

Research by Jean Twenge from San Diego State University reveals that Gen Z values jobs that directly benefit others, showing a greater sense of empathy and a desire for work that contributes to society.

In aligning with Gen Z’s values, Saxon emphasizes the importance of nurturing connections within the company and supporting individuals alongside broader organizational goals.

With Gen Z’s inclination towards meaningful work and values-driven roles, they have the potential to reshape workplace dynamics and elevate the importance of individual well-being alongside company success.