How to Train, Upskill, and Coach Gen Z for Success in the Workplace
Gen Z is entering the workforce faster than ever, bringing new expectations, skills, and work styles with them. They are digitally fluent, ambitious, and eager to learn, yet many employers struggle to engage and develop them effectively.
In fact, 40% of leaders believe recent graduates are unprepared for the workforce, and 94% admit they sometimes avoid hiring them. But here’s the thing—Gen Z isn’t lacking potential; they just need the right kind of training, upskilling, and coaching to thrive.
So, how can you help Gen Z succeed in your organization? Here’s what you need to know.
1. Forget One-Size-Fits-All Training—Personalization is Key
Gen Z grew up in a world of customized content, from Netflix recommendations to personalized social media feeds. They expect the same from workplace training.
What you can do:
Tailor learning paths to their individual interests and career goals.
Move beyond generic onboarding and offer role-specific, interactive learning experiences.
Provide self-paced digital learning, so they can learn at their own speed while balancing work responsibilities.
2. Mix It Up: Use Multi-Dimensional Upskilling
Gen Z isn’t interested in long, lecture-style training sessions. They learn best through hands-on experience, mentorship, and dynamic content.
What you can do:
Job shadowing & cross-functional rotations: Let them explore different roles and develop diverse skill sets.
Reciprocal mentoring: Pair them with senior employees—they learn from experienced colleagues, and older generations benefit from their tech skills and fresh ideas.
Bite-sized, digital learning modules: Short, engaging video lessons from trusted internal & external sources work best.
3. Show Them a Clear Career Trajectory
A major reason Gen Z struggles with engagement is that they don’t see a clear path forward. They need to know where they’re going and how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
What you can do:
Give them ownership over projects—allowing them to see the impact of their work.
Set clear performance metrics that align with their strengths and growth areas.
Create structured promotion paths so they can visualize their career development.
4. Invest in On-the-Job Training
Forget formal classroom settings—42% of Gen Z workers say on-the-job training is the best way for them to learn.
What you can do:
Assign real-world challenges early on—learning by doing beats theory every time.
Offer mentorship programs where experienced team members can coach GenZers through hands-on projects.
Use project-based learning to develop skills while delivering value to your organization.
5. Create a Culture of Continuous Feedback & Coaching
Gen Z craves constant feedback—but not in the traditional annual review format. They thrive on real-time coaching and constructive input.
What you can do:
Replace annual reviews with frequent check-ins (monthly or even weekly).
Give immediate, actionable feedback to reinforce good habits and correct issues early.
Use a two-way feedback system, where Gen Z employees can also share their thoughts on leadership and work culture.
6. Support Their Well-Being & Work-Life Balance
52% of Gen Z employees experience high daily workplace stress, more than any other generation. If they’re burnt out, their productivity and engagement will drop fast.
What you can do:
Offer flexible work arrangements to help them maintain balance.
Encourage mental health support, wellness programs, and stress management training.
Foster a supportive company culture where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated.
The Bottom Line: Set Gen Z Up for Long-Term Success
Training and upskilling Gen Z isn’t about forcing them into outdated learning models—it’s about adapting to their needs and strengths.
Personalize their learning experiences
Use hands-on, interactive, and digital training
Show them a clear career path and give them ownership
Provide continuous coaching and real-time feedback
Support their well-being for sustainable productivity
When you invest in Gen Z’s success, they invest in your company’s future. Want to learn more? Download ManpowerGroup’s latest Gen Z workforce report for deeper insights and action steps.