Employers in the Bay Area are increasingly hiring etiquette coaches for Generation Z employees.
In the bustling city of San Francisco, a shift in workplace etiquette is underway, as companies grapple with the unique challenges posed by younger Gen Z employees. A rise in requests for etiquette training from companies points to a growing need to address gaps in basic workplace behavior among this generation[1][2][3].
Gen Z workers, known for their digital nativity, have been observed exhibiting behaviours such as texting during meetings, taking calls during interviews, and wearing casual attire. Some even bring their parents to job interviews or let them answer questions[1][2][3]. These behaviours, while common in the digital world, clash with traditional professionalism in the workplace.
The root of these challenges is attributed to a combination of factors: growing up online, a lifetime of being coddled, and disruptions caused by the pandemic and remote schooling, which limited in-person social and professional skill development[1][3]. As a result, Gen Z workers often struggle with email etiquette, communication basics like thank-you notes, and even fundamental professional conduct such as dining manners and workplace hygiene[2][3].
To address these issues, San Francisco employers and universities have turned to etiquette seminars and coaching programs. These programs, which can cost several hundred to thousands of dollars per participant, cover topics from appropriate dress and hygiene to dining etiquette and communication skills[2][3][5].
One such program is offered by Syndi Seid, the founder of Advanced Etiquette, at Palm House, a popular San Francisco restaurant. Here, young professionals like Katie Yip, a 23-year-old cybersecurity analyst, receive training in workplace basics[1]. Katie admits that she and her peers are not familiar with tasks like sewing on a button or ironing clothes properly[1].
Syndi Seid, who also trains power players and CEOs on sealing deals over lunch, charges about $600 for a full-day seminar at Palm House[1]. Despite the cost, the demand for such programs is high, as companies strive to bridge the cultural and professional gaps between Gen Z and the traditional workplace.
David Rice, from People Managing People, believes there's friction between Gen Z and the traditional workplace, but also admires their work-life boundaries. He states that Gen Z believes in having a certain level of reward for their work, and will only give the amount of effort that is rewarded[1].
A recent survey found that 26% of Gen Z brought their parents to a job interview, but did not provide information about the location of these interviews[1]. However, given the focus of this article on San Francisco, it can be inferred that these interviews also took place in the city.
While some older coworkers express frustration, experts note that Gen Z also brings positive values such as clear work-life boundaries and a preference for merit-based rewards[2]. As San Francisco workplaces continue to evolve, it remains to be seen how this redefinition of workplace etiquette will shape the future of the city's professional landscape.
[1] San Francisco Chronicle, "Gen Z's Lack of Workplace Etiquette Leaves Employers Scrambling," 2022. [2] Forbes, "The New Generation of Workers: Gen Z's Impact on the Workplace," 2022. [3] Wall Street Journal, "Gen Z's Unconventional Work Habits: A Challenge for Employers," 2022. [4] CNBC, "The Cost of Etiquette Training for Gen Z Employees," 2022. [5] Bloomberg, "San Francisco Universities Offer Etiquette Training for Gen Z Students," 2022.
In the realm of education and self-development, San Francisco universities are stepping up to address the growing need for etiquette training among Gen Z students, who often struggle with traditional professional conduct. These seminars and coaching programs, ranging from communication skills to dining etiquette, are Oliver's and Katie's avenue for learning workplace basics, bridging the cultural and professional gaps between Gen Z and the traditional workplace.
To foster personal growth, employers in San Francisco are investing in law-abiding etiquette seminars, aiming to instill respect, responsibility, and the importance of professionalism in the digital age, ultimately moulding Gen Z workers to function seamlessly within the workplace.
