While the pandemic may have impacted the younger age group differently, it also fostered the distinct development of Gen Z skills, particularly soft skills often lacking in older generations. As millennials, the previously labeled “most educated generation,” continue their career mobility, a new wave of young adults enters the workforce. However, the question remains: how can Gen Z integrate and find a sense of belonging in a workplace transitioning from traditional setups to hybrid or fully remote arrangements?
The answer lies in understanding the unique strengths and soft skills that Gen Z brings to the table. Soft skills, honed in a digital age and shaped by diverse experiences, are valuable for individual success and have significant potential to impact businesses in profound ways.
Understanding the talent that soft skills and their business impact is crucial for fostering meaningful connections, unlocking workforce potential, and ultimately, driving future-proof success in this era’s dynamic workplace.
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Understanding Gen Z Soft Skills and AI
For an organization to grow and expand, building a formidable lineup of leaders is very much needed. Business leaders can start developing the soft skills of Gen Zs. The tech-savvy generation relies heavily on technology and upcoming digital trends for productivity and communication.
In a recent study by social scientists, participants were assigned 18 different work tasks. One group utilized ChatGPT, while the other relied solely on their abilities.
The contrast was striking. Those leveraging AI completed 12.2% more tasks overall. They also finished 25.1% quicker compared to their unaided peers.
But speed wasn’t the only advantage. The AI group delivered dramatically higher quality, generating outputs 40% better than those working solo.
The implications are clear. A savvy workforce, like Gen Z, is highly adaptable to developing tech and tools, such as ChatGPT and other AI. Business leaders should consider exploring the opportunities spearheaded by more dynamic and business-driven young talents.
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Gen Z Soft Skill Needed for Management Roles
The shift toward remote and hybrid work models has created a demand for a more diverse skill set in leadership roles. With less in-person interaction, managers must find new ways to motivate employees and align productivity with business goals.
As we look into WeGrow’s Marketing VA applicants, our data set highlights an experience gap. 36% of Gen Z applicants have no prior work experience in a BPO environment, and only 32% have over 3 years of experience. This lack of relevant skills makes it extremely challenging for employers to find qualified Gen Z talent.
For businesses, this talent skills gap presents major challenges. It slows digital transformation efforts with executives facing the challenge of finding the people with the right abilities. It decreases productivity and innovation with many roles remaining vacant or staffed by underqualified hires.
For Gen Z to hone their skills as emerging leaders, they need to round out their technical knowledge with critical soft skills. Here are some of the top soft skills employers want in managers:
- In-person communication – Communication in meetings, presentations, and one-on-one conversations is vital, even in a digital workplace. Gen Z needs practice with crucial communication skills like public speaking, client pitches, and addressing team concerns.
- Collaboration – Bringing together cross-functional teams, facilitating productive meetings, and leading collective projects is harder without daily in-person contact. Gen Z leaders need experience building alignment and synergy among remote employees.
- Emotional intelligence – Managing conflict, showing empathy, and relationship-building are more challenging but even more necessary in a distributed work environment. Gen Z needs to sharpen soft skills like diplomacy, compassion, and influence to keep remote teams engaged.
- Critical thinking – Leading teams through complex strategic decisions requires weighing multiple perspectives and analyzing nuanced information. Gen Z needs to hone analytical and problem-solving skills for decision-making.
Forward-looking companies are investing in developing these soft skills within their Gen Z managers. Targeted training programs, access to mentors, and an encouraging culture allow Gen Z’s talents to fully shine.
Organizations that help Gen Z level up their leadership abilities will gain a major competitive edge. They will be rewarded with a motivated, high-performing workforce ready to drive business success into the future.
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Overlooking Gen Z Skills Risks Talent Pipeline Disruptions
Investing in upskilling Gen Z may entail upfront costs, but the long-term consequences of neglecting to do so could be disastrous for companies’ talent pipelines. Organizations that fail to bridge Gen Z’s skills gaps today will encounter a dwindling pool of qualified talent to fill critical roles in the future. Unfilled positions not only hinder growth but also confer competitive advantages to rivals who prioritize the development of Gen Z capabilities.
According to McKinsey research, two of the lowest proficiencies in the digital category are ‘Software use and development’ and ‘Understanding digital systems.’ These skill sets are naturally found among younger industry talents. Empowering Gen Z to upskill and acquire new knowledge will equip them to handle complex systems in the future. Providing opportunities for upcoming leaders to grow fosters a sense of value and belonging, ultimately leading to lower turnover rates.
In the long term, businesses that neglect Gen Z skill development impede their growth potential, particularly in sectors being reshaped by technology such as healthcare, retail, and supply chains. A lack of skilled Gen Z talent hampers the adoption of new operating models, digital transformation, and innovation.
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Take Action Against the Skills Gap with We Grow VA
Addressing the skills mismatch challenge requires proactive solutions, and WeGrow VA is committed to helping businesses bridge this gap. We are a leading platform dedicated to connecting businesses with highly skilled virtual assistants (VAs). Our mission is to empower both businesses and individuals by facilitating access to the workforce of tomorrow.
We understand that every business has unique needs and skill requirements. That’s why we offer tailored solutions that go beyond simple job boards. Through our comprehensive assessment process, we gain a deep understanding of your specific needs and challenges. We then leverage our extensive network and vetting process to identify the perfect VA match for your team. WeGrow VA’s process ensures you access to highly skilled and qualified individuals who can seamlessly integrate into your workflow and contribute to your success.
Don’t let the skills gap hinder your growth. Partner with We Grow VA and unlock the potential of a connected, future-proof workforce. Explore our services and connect with us today to learn how we can help you take action and achieve your business objectives.
