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Our workplace experience (WX) trends series looks at recent news articles, videos, social media posts, and thought leadership pieces on workplace experience. You’ll also hear from our experts on what’s trending.
Gen Z is stepping into the workforce with unique skills and experiences. Still, the transition can be daunting, especially with the rise of hybrid work environments.
A recent study by Intelligent.com found that many employers feel recent college graduates need more soft skills like communication and professionalism. Specifically, 75% of companies reported that many hires from the Class of 2024 were “unsatisfactory.”
Yet, as Generation Z prepares to make up nearly 27% of the workforce by 2025, this generation has enormous potential to thrive. In other words, the modern workplace is their oyster if they know how to navigate it effectively.
One of the most common mistakes new, younger hires make is feeling like they must figure everything out independently.
According to a Washington Post article, asking questions is crucial, especially in the early days. Knowing how the company operates—where to find resources, how to navigate communication tools, and when to connect with managers—can make all the difference.
In the same article, Paycor’s chief human resource officer advises new hires to speak up and ask questions. “You may be uncomfortable, but people won’t know you have a question if you don’t ask,” said Paaras Parker. Clarifying expectations, understanding organizational processes, and seeking guidance show initiative and help Gen Zers avoid costly mistakes.
Effective communication is everything, especially for remote and hybrid workers. Many Gen Zers are used to communicating through social media, but professional settings demand a different approach.
LinkedIn recommends developing clear, concise communication skills, whether emailing, chatting in Slack, or presenting on Zoom. This is particularly important for remote employees who may not have face-to-face opportunities to clarify misunderstandings or explain ideas.
When communicating digitally, be concise but polite. In a TLDR world, don’t overwhelm coworkers with long messages or emails; keep them short and focused. Team members of all generations should learn their colleagues’ preferred communication channels. Some organizations rely heavily on email, while others use instant messaging or video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
AI is transforming the workplace, and knowing how to use it effectively is a significant advantage to Gen Z employees. Many companies are still developing policies around AI use, so it’s essential to understand your organization’s guidelines. The key is using AI as a complementary tool or prompt for idea generation or content development.
AI tools can help improve productivity for fully remote or hybrid workers by automating repetitive tasks like scheduling or responding to routine emails. However, always double-check AI-generated content, especially for tone and accuracy. As Gen Z is more comfortable with digital tools, this generation can lead by example, showing how to integrate AI into daily workflows responsibly.
Many Gen Z employees are starting their careers in fully remote or hybrid environments, which presents opportunities and challenges. Remote work offers flexibility, but it can also be isolating. The key is to be proactive in building relationships with your colleagues, even if you’re not in the same office.
Set clear boundaries for work hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is critical for avoiding burnout. Gen Zers should create a dedicated workspace to stay focused and productive. Take advantage of face-to-face interactions in the office, whether through casual conversations or formal meetings.
Holly Grogan, Chief Experience Officer at Appspace, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in hybrid environments. “Whether you’re working remotely, on the frontlines, or in a hybrid setting, building meaningful connections with colleagues is key to success,” she says.
A recurring theme in workplace studies is the importance of soft skills. Gen Zers entering the workforce must go beyond technical expertise and focus on developing critical soft skills like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. These skills are fundamental in hybrid and remote work environments with limited face-to-face communication.
Employers value employees who collaborate effectively, resolve conflicts, and demonstrate empathy. According to a Forbes article, many hiring managers criticize Gen Z employees for lacking “etiquette, reliability, and flexibility.” To that end, those who work to develop these skills will stand out. Make a conscious effort to improve your communication style, manage your time effectively, and demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt.
Feedback is one of the most valuable tools for growth, yet many Gen Z employees need help receiving it. To succeed in any work environment, be open to constructive criticism and view it as an opportunity to improve. Regular feedback from managers helps fine-tune your approach and grow in your role.
Workplace success for Gen Z hinges on a combination of soft skills, digital communication, and adaptability. Whether working remotely, in hybrid settings, or on the frontlines, Gen Z employees who ask questions, master new tools, and focus on collaboration will thrive in the evolving world of work.
As Holly Grogan puts it, “Creating meaningful connections and being part of a collaborative workplace culture will set employees up for success, no matter their age or amount of work experience.”
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