Is Gen Z ready for the workplace?

Gen Z—born between the late 1990s and early 2010s—is entering the workplace, bringing new skills, attitudes, and perspectives. With a focus on work-life balance, passion for sustainability, and familiarity with technology, the generation has often been noted for shaking things up.

However, some employers have voiced concerns over the professionalism of Gen Z. According to our research, 58% of corporate recruiters feel recent business school graduates demonstrate less professionalism than graduates from previous years, referring in particular to reliability, respectfulness, accountability, and professional appearance.

“The expectations of the younger generation coming into the workplace have changed dramatically,” explains Emily Gill (pictured), co-founder of human skills training platform Levra. “There have been a lot of challenges in recent years—especially to do with COVID, hybrid ways of working, technology advancements—which means that there have been greater barriers between the younger generation starting in the workplace and how they're showing up.”

Is Gen Z unprofessional?

While some employers express concern over Gen Z’s workplace readiness, is it true that workers in this generation are less professional than those who came before them?

“Gen Z should not be considered inherently more or less professional than other generations,” says Anto Liivat (pictured), director of degree studies at Estonian Business School.

“This perception may arise because many members of Gen Z are still at an early stage in their careers. They have simply had less time to refine their skills, exercise professional judgment, and develop the mindset required to perform consistently across different contexts.”

While professionalism continues to develop with time and experience, building these skills at an early career stage can help workers make a positive impression on employers.

However, as technological disruption drives fundamental change in the workplace, some feel this is altering what it means to be professional.

“I disagree with the perception that Gen Z is less professional. Working closely with students and the younger generation, I consistently see individuals who are
ambitious, capable, and eager to make a meaningful contribution,” says Professor Himanshu Rai (pictured), director of the Indian Institute of Management Indore. “What I have observed is not a lack of professionalism, but rather an evolution in how professionalism is expressed.

"While the core values of professionalism remain constant, the ways they are expressed continue to adapt to changing technologies, workplace cultures, and societal expectations," he continues.

How can Gen Z get ready for the workplace?

While the debate is likely to continue as Gen Z further integrates within the workforce, members of this generation can take steps to combat negative perceptions employers might hold around their professionalism in the workplace. 

If you're seeking to maximize your employability, developing your skills and making sure you’re prepared for the expectations of employers can help ensure you come across as a professional who is ready for the working environment.

So, here are some practical steps you can take: 

Build soft skills

As you enter the workplace, not only will you need the technical skills required for your job function, but you’ll also need the soft skills that have long been necessary to navigate a professional environment.

According to research by the training platform General Assembly, 56% of business leaders blame weak soft skills for a lack of work-readiness in entry-level employees.

Specifically, building soft skills such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, and resilience can help you work effectively with others, navigate challenges, and prove you’re dependable.

“My advice would be to be willing to work hard, be enthusiastic, and be a ‘yes’ person,” says Emily. “We often have a lot of interns coming and wanting to work for us. I will always choose someone who is positive, enthusiastic, and willing to say yes to anything.

“Resilience is also really important,” she continues. “Having the willingness to learn, and to not see failure as like a personal attack, but actually as an opportunity to improve.”

Grow your network

Networking is fundamental to growing professionally. By engaging with the process, you'll develop important interpersonal skills, becoming a better communicator and collaborator. More than this, however, developing connections can provide you with a network to go to for advice and feedback. This is true whether they be fellow business school students, professors, or alumni. 

“There's a lot of opportunity for training courses and mentorships nowadays, which give you the opportunity to interact with people and learn on the job,” says Emily. “It's really a matter of putting yourself out there and being willing to learn from other people. You just have to be go-getting rather than expecting things to come to you.”

Ask questions

If it’s your first time in a professional environment, it may seem like there is an overwhelming number of unwritten rules to get used to. Conversely, those who have worked in a corporate setting for years may assume you’re familiar with certain things already. For this reason, being prepared to ask questions whenever you’re unsure is crucial.

“It is okay to ask,” says Milja Koski (pictured), manager of employer services at Aalto University School of Business. “I once had a trainee who said openly on our first day that she had never before worked at an office, so she would need some introduction on how it worked. That helped a lot, as she didn’t have to guess everything, and I understood that I should explain the basics to her.”

Remember, it’s better to ask and get things right than to make unnecessary mistakes because you're uncertain. Asking questions will also show your manager you’re curious and eager to learn.

“Create an open dialogue about what responsibility, competence, and ownership mean in a specific work setting to both you and the employer,” says Martijn Akkerman (pictured), career and personal development advisor at Nyenrode Business University. “This can lead to mutual understanding and a new perspective from both sides on professionalism.”

Present yourself professionally

Presentation plays a large part in how you come across to employers. That doesn't simply mean making sure your appearance is workplace appropriate. Equally important is focusing on the way you communicate with colleagues and clients, and making sure you’re viewed as consistent and reliable.

“My advice would be simple: learn to read the room,” says Milja. “Take time to understand the culture, expectations, and norms of your organization, and adapt accordingly while remaining authentic to yourself.”

“Professionalism is ultimately grounded in integrity, respect, and self-awareness,” adds Anastasia Kynighou (pictured), MBA director at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. “Setting boundaries, voicing opinions and challenging established practices can all be positive behaviors, but they should be done constructively and respectfully—particularly for Gen Z, a generation that often values autonomy and is more comfortable questioning authority.”

Apply for a business master’s

Going to business school could help develop your skills, build your professionalism, and get prepared for the workplace.

Alongside professional development, studying a business master’s can grow your skillset, provide access to career support, and allow you to join a network of like-minded peers and alumni. Employers express confidence in the value of business school, with 100% of recruiters believing in the effectiveness of business education in preparing graduates to work in their organizations, according to our latest research.

“Business schools play a vital role in helping Gen Z bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice,” says Professor Rai. “Through experiential learning, industry projects, internships, networking opportunities, and careers coaching, students gain exposure to real business environments and employer expectations.”

The array of practical opportunities and valuable experiences you can undertake at business school can help you grow your confidence and feel prepared for the workplace.

“Our role [as business schools] is not to ask Gen Z to change who they are, but to help them translate their strengths, such as digital fluency, adaptability, and innovation, into behaviors that enable them to succeed and make a meaningful impact in their careers,” he adds.

Ultimately, being workplace-ready is about having the confidence and skills to navigate a professional environment. Through developing soft skills, connecting with professionals, asking for advice, and gaining practical experience, you can prepare yourself to enter the workplace and take the first steps in your career.