Exec at $27 billion tech giant HP hits back at Gen Z lazy label, saying they’re great at listening and building relationships

Contrary to the popular perception that Gen Z employees lack interpersonal skills and are disinterested in traditional workplace norms, a senior executive at a leading tech giant is championing the value of this younger generation in the workforce. George Brasher, SVP and managing director of North America for HP, a $27 billion tech giant, believes that Gen Z workers are bringing a fresh approach and valuable skills to the table, driving massive business wins and innovation.

Background & Context

With the increasing presence of Gen Z in the workforce, the debate surrounding their capabilities and work ethic has been a topic of discussion among business leaders and employees alike. While some critics label Gen Z as lazy and lacking in office etiquette, others argue that they are bringing a new wave of innovation and digital-first thinking to the workplace.

The fact that Gen Z workers are digital natives, with the highest use of AI and technology, positions them well in the modern work environment. As the global economy continues to shift towards an increasingly digital and tech-driven landscape, the skills and abilities of Gen Z workers are becoming increasingly valuable to businesses.

Key Details

According to Brasher, his team at HP has found that Gen Z workers possess excellent listening skills, the ability to build trust and relationships, and a deep understanding of what customers need. This is a far cry from the common perception of Gen Z workers as being disinterested and lacking in interpersonal skills. In fact, Brasher believes that growing up in the digital era is a superpower for Gen Z workers, giving them a healthy relationship with work and a strong understanding of technology.

HP employs over 55,000 workers globally, and the company is committed to creating a more interconnected, inclusive, and conscientious world. Brasher notes that Gen Z workers are driving innovation with their tech savvy, building communities with their digital-first approach to collaboration, and treating work-life balance as a non-negotiable. This approach is not only beneficial for the company but also for the employees themselves, who are able to thrive in a work environment that values their unique skills and perspectives.

One of the key factors that sets Gen Z workers apart is their high level of proficiency in AI and technology. As digital natives, they have grown up with these tools and are able to leverage them in innovative and creative ways. This is not only beneficial for businesses but also for the employees themselves, who are able to develop new skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing work environment.

According to a recent analysis by PwC, over one million U.S. job postings required AI-related skills as of last year, a 66% increase from 2024. This trend is expected to continue, with more and more businesses recognizing the value of AI and technology in the modern work environment. As a result, Gen Z workers who possess these skills are likely to be highly sought after by employers.

What Experts Say

The views of Brasher are echoed by other business leaders who have recognized the value of Gen Z workers in the modern work environment. The CHRO of Colgate-Palmolive, for example, credits Gen Z workers with bringing a fresh approach and valuable skills to the table. Similarly, leaders at Stripe and LinkedIn have noted that Gen Z workers are bringing in-demand tech skills to the workforce.

The fact that Gen Z workers are bringing a new wave of innovation and digital-first thinking to the workplace is not only beneficial for businesses but also for the employees themselves. By recognizing and valuing the unique skills and perspectives of Gen Z workers, businesses can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment that allows employees to thrive.

Key Takeaways

• Gen Z workers possess excellent listening skills, the ability to build trust and relationships, and a deep understanding of what customers need.
• The skills and abilities of Gen Z workers are becoming increasingly valuable to businesses in a rapidly changing work environment.
• Gen Z workers are driving innovation with their tech savvy, building communities with their digital-first approach to collaboration, and treating work-life balance as a non-negotiable.
• Over one million U.S. job postings required AI-related skills as of last year, a 66% increase from 2024.

What This Means For You

If you're a business leader looking to attract and retain top talent, recognizing the value of Gen Z workers is crucial. By creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment that values the unique skills and perspectives of Gen Z workers, businesses can attract the best and brightest talent and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing work environment.

For Gen Z workers themselves, the skills and abilities that you bring to the table are highly valued by employers. By developing your skills in AI and technology and staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing work environment, you can position yourself for success and thrive in a competitive job market.