Gen Z prefers solo work, challenging team dynamics

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — A recent study by global recruitment firm Robert Walters reveals a concerning trend in the modern workplace: only 19% of Gen Z professionals prefer working in a team environment, with 31% stating they work better alone. This shift poses a significant challenge to collaborative working, a cornerstone of many organizations.

The poll discovered communication and collaboration issues between Gen Z and older workers. Over half of managers said Gen Z’s entry into the workforce has decreased collaborative work. Managers cited Gen Z’s poorer communication skills (53%), teamwork abilities (21%), and critical thinking (17%).

However, the poll also uncovered Gen Z’s strengths. A notable 44% of managers commend their ease with tools like instant messaging and video conferencing. 

“Gen Z’s ability to communicate effectively in virtual environments is valuable in today’s increasingly remote and digital work settings,” Robert Walters’ Managing Director Martin Fox explained.

However, Fox also acknowledges the need for in-person communication and teamwork improvement. 

He suggests strategies to help Gen Z develop crucial soft skills, including scaling back remote work, offering targeted training, and establishing mentorship programs. Fox also advises encouraging cross-generational collaboration, providing constructive feedback in performance reviews, and hiring leaders adept at managing multi-generational teams.

Fox added, “It is unfair to focus on what ‘isn’t working’ with younger workers – what about their strengths?”

Fox’s insights are particularly relevant in light of the Robert Walters Diversity & Inclusion survey, which found that intergenerational conflict is a key factor in employee turnover. 

With a quarter of workers citing clashes over work methods as a reason for leaving, addressing these generational differences is crucial for maintaining a productive and harmonious workplace.