Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce
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, p...
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| Language: | English |
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Humber Press
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education |
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| Online Access: | https://jipe.ca/index.php/jipe/article/view/209 |
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| author | Henrik Kraght Lars Brøndum |
| author_facet | Henrik Kraght Lars Brøndum |
| author_sort | Henrik Kraght |
| collection | DOAJ |
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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.
[Abstract continued in PDF]
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c4a350b4a24c4e89bf196d33f92e7692 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2561-5904 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Humber Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-c4a350b4a24c4e89bf196d33f92e76922025-08-20T02:39:56ZengHumber PressJournal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education2561-59042025-01-016210.69520/jipe.v6i2.209Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the WorkforceHenrik Kraght0https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3011-7860Lars Brøndum1https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9114-5308KEA - Copenhagen School of Design and TechnologyKEA - Copenhagen School of Design and Technology 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. [Abstract continued in PDF] https://jipe.ca/index.php/jipe/article/view/209GenZNew HiresGraduateValuesworkforcesoft skills |
| spellingShingle | Henrik Kraght Lars Brøndum Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education GenZ New Hires Graduate Values workforce soft skills |
| title | Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce |
| title_full | Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce |
| title_fullStr | Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce |
| title_full_unstemmed | Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce |
| title_short | Bridging the Generational Divide: Soft Skills and Value Perceptions of Gen Z in the Workforce |
| title_sort | bridging the generational divide soft skills and value perceptions of gen z in the workforce |
| topic | GenZ New Hires Graduate Values workforce soft skills |
| url | https://jipe.ca/index.php/jipe/article/view/209 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT henrikkraght bridgingthegenerationaldividesoftskillsandvalueperceptionsofgenzintheworkforce AT larsbrøndum bridgingthegenerationaldividesoftskillsandvalueperceptionsofgenzintheworkforce |