Bridging the Generational Divide:
- Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce
About the Authors
Henrik Kraght and Lars Brøndum bring over 25 years of experience in the technology sector, having held pivotal roles in talent management and recruitment, including at Microsoft.
Currently serving as educators in Business Economics and Information Technology, they have keenly observed the challenges of integrating Generation Z into the workforce. Motivated by a desire to understand the reasons behind the widening gap between Gen Z's expectations and workplace realities, they explored the underlying dynamics, key learnings, and actionable recommendations.
This article presents an editorial adaptation of their comprehensive research article, Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce published by Journal og Innovation in Polytechnic Education (JIPE) Canada
Executive Summary
Generation Z (Gen Z), the cohort born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is reshaping workforce dynamics with its unique values, expectations, and soft skills. While Gen Z brings unmatched digital fluency and an entrepreneurial mindset, they also challenge traditional workplace norms, creating a critical generational divide. Misalignments in areas such as workplace flexibility, leadership expectations, career progression, and inclusivity risk undermining productivity, collaboration, and retention.
This article synthesizes insights from comprehensive research, including surveys, interviews, and case studies, to provide actionable strategies for closing these gaps. Recommendations target three key stakeholders: companies, Gen Z professionals, and higher education institutions (HEIs). By adopting adaptive talent strategies, fostering mentorship, and realigning educational curricula with workplace demands, organizations can build environments that embrace Gen Z's strengths while ensuring alignment with operational goals..
Aligning for Impact: Bridging the Generational Divide to Integrate Gen Z into the Workforce
Abstract
This research paper examines the growing disparity in value perceptions between Generation Z (Gen Z) and downstream companies that are set to integrate this new cohort of professionals. Gen Z, sometimes referred to as "Zoomers," includes those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, predominantly the children of Generation X. Characterized by their digital fluency, entrepreneurial mindset, and desire for purpose-driven work, Gen Z presents both opportunities and challenges to traditional corporate structures. This study explores the underlying causes of the value perception gap between Gen Z and downstream companies, analyzing its impact on workplace productivity, collaboration, and employee retention.
Focusing on the technology and service sectors, which frequently recruit graduates from business and technology disciplines, this study employs a multi-method approach. It integrates quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews with downstream company representatives, and an in-depth case study of a large corporation. These methods provide a thorough analysis of the generational dynamics shaping workplace interactions. Furthermore, the research draws on international insights to present targeted recommendations for three key stakeholders: Companies, Gen Z professionals, and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The findings reveal significant misalignments in expectations around workplace flexibility, leadership opportunities, and career progression. While Gen Z's adaptability and digital proficiency are assets, their expectations for rapid advancement and autonomy often clash with the structured, performance-focused frameworks of many organizations. The study underscores the need for tailored talent management strategies, including flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, and continuous learning opportunities that align with Gen Z's unique needs.
By investigating collaboration among companies, Gen Z, and HEIs, this research provides a roadmap for creating a more inclusive, adaptive workplace culture. It emphasizes the importance of addressing generational differences to enhance productivity, retain talent, and ensure a smoother integration of Gen Z into the evolving professional landscape..