It’s officially been almost four years since COVID swept in and altered our lives forever.
During our pandemic era, several changes in careers and lifestyles all around the world shifted the way we live everyday life.
One of the most significant shifts occurred in the working world: In 2019, approximately 6% of Americans worked from home. Within two years, this number surged to around 18%, representing roughly 19 million additional remote workers.
However, as return-to-office mandates were introduced, they sparked controversy, particularly among employees who thrived in remote settings. Consequently, many workplaces have opted for hybrid arrangements, allowing employees to divide their time between remote work and office presence.
But as employees transitioned from their comfortable home setups to office environments, it became apparent that certain bad habits crept back into the workplace.
In response, a workplace etiquette industry emerged, aimed at assisting companies in preparing their employees for the office environment, as reported by CNN.
According to a survey conducted by Resume Builder, which involved over 1,500 business leaders, 45% of companies currently provide etiquette training to their employees, while an additional 18% intend to introduce it in 2024.
New York-based firm Beaumont Etiquette has experienced a notable surge in training requests from employers, reporting a 100% increase over the past two years.
When it comes to the skills employers prioritize in these training sessions, 78% of survey respondents identified “making polite conversation,” followed by 75% who chose “dressing professionally,” and 69% who highlighted “writing professional emails.”
While workplace behavior issues can arise across all age groups, younger professionals have encountered particular difficulties (as we’ve seen).
Many Gen Z individuals, who entered the workforce amidst the pandemic, have grappled with adapting to full-time employment and navigating corporate dynamics primarily through virtual platforms like Zoom or within sparsely populated offices.
To support these individuals, some employers initiated specialized training programs tailored specifically for entry-level employees. Notably, the Big Four consulting firms — Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY — provide comprehensive soft skills training for incoming junior hires.
We have to add that workplace etiquette isn’t solely a concern for Gen Z; according to Resume Builder’s survey, only 10% of respondents indicated that they would exclusively mandate training for Gen Z employees, while 60% stated that it would be a requirement for all employees.
Macie LaCau is a passionate writer, herbal educator, and dog enthusiast. She spends most of her time overthinking and watering her tiny tomatoes.
