Employers urged to support Gen Z workforce with soft skills gap solution for career advancement

Global learning leader Development Beyond Learning (DBL) calls for urgent action amongst organisations to address rising concerns surrounding Gen Z soft skills as barriers to their performance, professional development and career advancement.

According to DBL’s latest survey*, 60% of Gen Z employees are quitting their job, due to unmet expectations, but 48% of leaders said the alignment with company expectation has definitely suffered with the prediction of the actual behaviour getting worse over the years.

Gen Z are known to choose growth-oriented organisations who will invest in their continued professional development and this is in line with DBL’s Mind the Gap results where 8 in 10* Gen Z employees believe learning is key to career advancement.

“Digital natives bring so many strengths to the workplace. However, this is often juxtaposed with declining soft skills. The natural face to face coaching and mentorship interactions in the professional environment are also on the downward trajectory,” explains Pete Humphreys, CEO of DBL.

Increasing levels of low self-esteem, anxiety, lack of adaptability and resilience, are among other growing concerns affecting young people that employers recognise to be a barrier to their progression.

“Our aim is to provide a modern development opportunity that is welcomed by both employers and young professionals, bringing them together to build confidence and knowledge so there is success all round,” adds Pete.

Sparking debate to drive change

DBL’s aim is for businesses and the education sector to work together to bring synergy to theoretical knowledge and practical skills. With universities focusing heavily on theory, and organisations demanding technical over human skills, graduates are left ill-prepared for real world challenges. DBL is calling for a shift in strategy to drive change.

“We are at a transformational stage of the working environment. AI is making massive waves across the world, but it cannot replace human skills. “By 2025, Gen Z will account for 27% of the world’s workforce** so businesses should take heed of the worsening situation in a time dominated by technology,” comments Pete.

“Waiting for young employees to fail in the workplace before offering support is a recipe for disaster,” adds Pete. “We need to empower the next generation now with the skills they need to thrive.”

*Mind The Gap, DBL, 2023

**Zurich Insurance, 2024