Does Gen Z need ‘resilience training’?

Key Takeaways:

• PwC in the UK is introducing resilience training for new hires to hone “human skills.”
• Some experts question whether Gen Z truly lacks resilience or if workplace environments need reform.
• According to a McKinsey study, adaptable employees have better holistic health and engagement.
• Toxic work cultures and overwhelming workloads can undermine any training effort.
• Other firms, such as Azets and KPMG, are also creating programs to strengthen Gen Z’s soft skills.

Resilience Under Scrutiny

PwC is taking a proactive step in addressing perceived skill gaps among its newest recruits. In the UK, the global consulting firm has introduced resilience training to help Gen Z hires enhance their “human skills,” which include effective communication, handling daily work pressures, and adapting to criticism. “Quite often we are struck that the graduates that join us… don’t always have the resilience; they don’t always have the human skills that we want to deploy onto the client work,” said Phillippa O’Connor, PwC’s chief people officer.

The Criticism Facing Gen Z

For this young cohort, growing up as digital natives and entering a hybrid or remote workforce left many without formative in-person experiences. Disparaging stereotypes labeling Gen Z as “entitled” have only heightened scrutiny of their readiness for professional life. PwC’s recent move reflects a larger conversation about generational differences in work expectations.

Why Resilience Matters

A study from the McKinsey Health Institute finds that employees reporting high levels of resilience or adaptability also show stronger holistic health and higher engagement. This data underscores the potential benefits of building resilience. From better communication to flexibility under pressure, these “soft skills” can be crucial in navigating today’s existing and emerging corporate challenges.

Limitations of Training Alone

Critics argue that resilience tutorials are insufficient when faced with toxic dynamics or excessive workloads. When subpar cultural and organizational factors go unaddressed, training cannot fix the underlying problems. In many cases, overburdened managers simply do not have time to coach their new direct reports.

Industry-Wide Solutions

PwC is not alone in taking steps to shore up the soft skills among Gen Z employees. Azets, an accountancy giant, is exploring partnerships with hotels, pubs, and restaurants to give trainee accountants exposure to real-world, people-facing roles. KPMG, meanwhile, has launched classes on “soft skills” for pandemic-era graduates who found it challenging to transition smoothly into office environments.

The Path Forward

From living through a pandemic to starting off in turbulent hybrid offices, Gen Z graduates have already shown significant grit. But resilience training alone cannot compensate for corporate cultures that often lack robust mentorship and manageable workloads. As firms like PwC, Azets, and KPMG work to build the next generation’s skill set, the real solution may lie in balancing training with meaningful managerial support—ensuring that when young professionals do stumble, there’s always a steady hand to help them back on their feet.