Tech Firms Divert Funds Towards a Novel Expense: 'Etiquette Guides' for Younger Generation Employees
In the bustling tech hub of San Francisco, an unusual trend is gaining traction: companies are increasingly investing in etiquette coaching services to help younger employees, particularly those from Generation Z, navigate the complexities of professional behaviour and inter-generational workplace challenges.
The San Francisco Standard has reported on this phenomenon, highlighting instances of Gen Z workers struggling with basic workplace norms such as appropriate attire, communication etiquette, personal hygiene, and respect for shared office spaces [1][2]. Some examples include new hires leaving food wrappers on communal lunch tables, assuming janitors would clean it up, or employees not showering or changing their shirts for weeks [2].
The reasons behind this investment are manifold. One significant factor is the impact of remote work and limited in-person experience on younger employees, who have entered the workforce after prolonged remote learning and working conditions. As a result, they may lack exposure to typical office social cues and protocols, necessitating the need for etiquette coaches to teach them essential skills such as how to properly communicate with supervisors, maintain eye contact, and follow dress codes [1][2].
Another factor is the cultural and value clashes between generations. Managers have reported a culture clash where younger staff treat the office more like a personal or casual space, neglecting established workplace expectations on cleanliness, courtesy, and professionalism. This has led to frustrations among older coworkers and supervisors, prompting companies to take action through targeted coaching [1][2].
Improving workplace harmony and productivity is another key motivation. By teaching soft skills—ranging from basic manners to effective communication—companies aim to create smoother interpersonal dynamics and reduce tensions that arise from unmet expectations or misunderstandings between generations [1][4].
Etiquette coaches like Rosalinda Randall, a coach from Marin, are in high demand. Randall has reported a 50% increase in inquiries about her services over the past two months [3]. She charges her clients as much as $2500 for a 90-minute workshop teaching etiquette, including how to make eye contact, where to stick a name tag, and how to ask for things from a boss [3].
The etiquette experts teach a wide range of workplace etiquette, including how to behave in meetings and how to handle food in communal areas. Other potential concerns addressed in the coaching sessions include inappropriate female attire, insubordinate attitudes, and poor command of how to speak to co-workers on Slack [1].
Companies are finding it challenging to handle these issues without sounding like parents. Some examples include Gen Z employees expecting rapid promotions, reacting poorly to feedback, showing up to interviews with a parent, or refusing certain roles perceived as unglamorous (e.g., cleaning tasks in healthcare settings) [1][3][4].
In essence, etiquette coaching serves as a proactive strategy to equip younger employees with the social skills and professional behaviours needed to thrive in multi-generational workplaces, thereby fostering better understanding, respect, and collaboration across age groups [1][2][3][4]. This investment ultimately helps businesses maintain a cohesive work environment amid shifting workforce demographics and expectations.
- Gizmodo reports on the surge of etiquette coaching services in San Francisco, a trend driven by the need to help Generation Z employees adapt to professional workplace norms [1].
- The future of business in technology sector is focusing on workplace-wellness, with companies investing in coaching services to teach soft skills such as communication etiquette and respect for shared spaces [1].
- As technology continues to advance, health-and-wellness in the workplace becomes an increasingly important aspect, with companies providing etiquette coaching to ensure a productive and harmonious work environment [2].
- Finance and business sectors are turning to etiquette experts like Rosalinda Randall to teach their younger employees essential skills like maintaining eye contact, dressing appropriately, and speaking professionally [3].
- In response to generational cultural and value clashes, tech companies are implementing etiquette coaching sessions to bridge the gap between older and younger employees, fostering better understanding and dialogue in the multi-generational workplace [2].
