Gen Z is a diverse group with different values, goals and communication skills. Avoiding this generation altogether might work for a while, but it’s not sustainable.
Etiquette training helps millennials and Gen Z bridge these differences. The courses cover the timeless rules of handshakes, dining and networking as well as newer social predicaments such as appropriate smartphone use in business meetings.
1. It Builds Confidence
While many etiquette coach and trainers focus on teaching kids the skills they need to grow into confident adults, these same skills can benefit millennials and Gen Z as they seek out career paths. Whether it’s a handshake, an email, or a business lunch, etiquette can help them stand out in the crowd of other candidates and show their bosses that they are a savvy, professional choice.
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According to a recent survey by Resume Builder, more than 50% of companies are offering etiquette classes in 2024. These courses range from the timeless rules of dining and social interaction to the newer quandaries of how to make polite conversation with a virtual acquaintance or navigate networking events.
It’s no secret that millennials and Gen Z are a more inclusive and open-minded generation than their predecessors. They are less concerned about materialistic compensation, and instead focus on finding careers that bring them satisfaction. As such, they’re more likely to pursue work at companies that have unique cultures or even start their own businesses.
2. It Makes You Feel Good About Yourself
Gen Z workers face many workplace challenges, some of which are matters of simple (albeit important) etiquette. These include not making eye contact or wearing too much makeup in a professional setting, being unprepared for interviews, failing to turn off their phones during meetings and not getting along with coworkers.
Effective etiquette breaks barriers to clear communication and professionalism. Its guidelines, although adaptive to cultural and social context, always emphasize fairness, politeness, and consideration.
In addition to focusing on being true to themselves, Gen Z values authenticity in others. Having grown up in an era of filtered photos and fake news, they prioritize truthfulness and are drawn to organizations that do the same. Many colleges and companies are already offering etiquette training to help recent graduates transition from virtual classes and remote internships to the office world.
These sessions can cover everything from elevator chitchat to work attire to mealtime etiquette. Ultimately, knowing the do’s and don’ts of proper etiquette gives one confidence that leads to competence in both personal and professional situations.
3. It Makes You More Marketable
Etiquette training can teach your employees how to present themselves well in business settings and create a positive public image. This can lead to more customers and a stronger company brand.
In a world where companies are competing for talent, having an edge in the job market is essential. Millennials and Gen Z have been criticized for their lack of professionalism in the workplace, but that can be overcome with targeted training and coaching.
Many college grads have spent their entire academic careers taking virtual classes and working remote internships, so they may need help navigating in-person office environments.
Etiquette training can help them learn how to make small talk, dress professionally, and use technology appropriately. It also helps them be more aware of cultural differences, which can improve collaboration in the office. This is especially important as the workplace becomes more global. see more.
4. It Helps You Deal With Stress
Some companies and colleges are now offering new grads training in everything from elevator chitchat to appropriate work attire. Experts say Gen Z is lacking these soft skills because they’ve spent so much of their college careers taking virtual classes and working remote internships.
In many ways, etiquette is the foundation of professionalism. It can help you maintain a positive public image and create a cohesive workplace culture. It’s also a way to protect your mental health and improve productivity.
If you find yourself under constant stress in the office, etiquette classes can be a helpful tool to help reduce it. Whether it’s a difficult coworker, a jammed printer or a meeting that goes sideways, stress can have both physical and emotional consequences.
Etiquette classes can teach you how to handle these situations without losing your cool. They can even improve your relationships outside of the workplace.