Workplace Ready by Sofia

Workplace Ready by Sofia - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

Although Gen Z is often considered a highly connected generation, this connection is mostly digital. Texting, social media, and other online spaces make it easy for Gen Z to casually and frequently communicate with each other. Despite this, Gen Z’s way of communicating does not often work well in a professional setting. Online learning and remote work have left Gen Z unprepared for workplace communication. Data collected from the Harris Poll reveals that new Gen Z workers lack the soft skills necessary to perform well in the workplace. In order to address this growing issue, schools should mandate a workplace communication elective that will help Gen Z students build their professional communication skills necessary for success in their careers.
Many studies have highlighted that new Gen Z hires are often unprepared for their professions. While they may have the necessary hard skills, Gen Z employees fall short when it comes to soft skills, especially communication. This gap can bring multiple challenges into the workplace. For example, poor communication skills can hinder collaboration and relationship building. It can even strain relationships with coworkers and lead to miscommunication and mismanagement. These issues can negatively impact productivity, success, and team dynamics.
Implementing a workplace communication elective will help prepare Gen Z students for the workplace. Through this course, students could learn how to respectfully and efficiently engage with their coworkers. They can learn how to navigate team discussions by learning how to ask insightful questions, consider different perspectives, and resolve conflicts professionally. Furthermore, this elective will teach students how to be mindful listeners, set boundaries, and advocate for themselves. By providing students with such communication tools, Gen Z students will be workplace ready, ultimately contributing to a positive and productive work environment.