Just 19% of Gen Z professionals have reported that they prefer to work in a team setting – with 31% stating that they ‘work better alone.’
Nearly half of managers state that the biggest impact to Gen Z’s entering the workforce is the decline in collaborative working – with a lack of communication skills (53%), team working (21%), and critical thinking (17%) from younger workers being the primary barriers to this.
The findings – from a recent poll by global recruitment firm Robert Walters – will be a blow to many companies who are battling to bring five generations under one roof in a hybrid working world.
Martin Fox – Managing Director of Robert Walters Canada comments:
“Gen Z’s have the potential to revolutionize our ways of working and business practices, but workplaces risk standing still or going backward unless they understand how to bring the best out of this cohort.
“Every one of us has weaknesses in our professional skillset, and so it is unfair to focus on what ‘isn’t working’ with younger workers – what about their strengths?
“Young workers possess a unique set of skills and characteristics shaped by their upbringing and experiences. Understanding these strengths – and adapting to this – can ultimately lead to a more productive and successful workforce.”
Hidden Talent
When analyzing further, results show that Gen Z are highly adept at communicating through digital channels. In fact, 44% of managers have stated how impressed they were at the ease with which junior workers are comfortable using various digital communication tools such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration platforms.
Martin adds: “Gen Z's ability to communicate effectively in virtual environments is valuable in today's increasingly remote and digital work settings – with the emergence of AI and the potential this generation brings in teaching older workers the benefits of this.
“However, it is apparent that in-person communication and team-working needs to be built upon if we are to get the very best out of a multi-generational workforce and help Gen Z professionals to fully thrive in the workplace.”
According to a Robert Walters Diversity & Inclusion survey, intergenerational conflict is a key factor in employee turnover – with a quarter of workers stating that clashes with colleagues on ways of working is a contributor when deciding to leave the job.
Martin gives his top tips on what companies should do to help improve crucial soft skills needed by Gen Z’s:
Media enquiries
Contact Georgia Peglar
georgia.peglar@robertwalters.com
+50% increase in senior-sounding job titles in the past year in Toronto 51% of Gen Z’s expect annual promotion 45% of young workers do not see managing someone else as an indicator of seniority 42% of Gen Z’s believe their ‘ideas’ are their strongest asset Over a quarter of employers believe young w
Read More1 in 10 women rely on additional income outside of fulltime work 40% of women feel underpaid for what they do, vs 24% of men 67% of men earn a median salary of $55k or more, vs 39% of women A quarter of females (24%) have not had a pay rise in the last 12 months, 9% more than men Men are twice as li
Read More68% of professionals have already been looking for new jobs as a ‘just in case’ tactic Almost half (48%) blame low job satisfaction as the reason for their current mindset Top career cushioning tactics include monitoring the jobs market, tidying up CV, and networking Amidst the rapidly evolving job
Read MoreCome join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.