Another significant change I foresee is in how we approach learning and development. With AI tools handling many routine tasks, there will be a greater focus on developing skills that complement AI, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. This shift will require a redesign of training programs as well as career development paths.
QD: What do you think this survey says about the way Gen Z views AI? There seem to be many pros and cons.
Transparency is critical for another reason—to ensure AI compliance within organizations. Companies need to be clear about how they’re leveraging AI in their processes; establish concrete policies around the use of AI tools; and offer training to employees on AI compliance, best practices, ethical use, and potential biases.
Nikhol Arora: It will certainly lead to greater transparency. Both managers and employees have started discussing more openly their use of AI, and this openness is crucial for building trust. It can lead to more honest conversations about skills, expectations, and the ever-evolving nature of work.
Quality Digest: AI is becoming a resource for the next generation of workers. Do you think this will prompt an increase in transparency from hiring managers and workplace professionals?
As societal norms change with each passing generation, so do work trends and expectations. Today, employers are seeing a notable shift in the attitudes, values, and goals of the next generation of workers.
QD: When the survey posed questions about “growth” (e.g., has AI hindered growth?) or “soft skills” (being included in training), how were those terms defined?
There were also changes in the skills they valued. Digital skills (52%) and hard technical skills (46%) took precedence over interpersonal skills (35%) or emotional intelligence (31%). Even cognitive skills ranked third on the Top 5 list, at only 44%.
The survey examined soft skills in the context of interpersonal skills, with examples such as communication, collaboration, and negotiation.
QD: What social changes within the workplace do you see on the horizon as remote jobs and AI tools become the norm?
Nikhil Arora, CEO at Epignosis Learning Technologies, the parent company of TalentLMS, answered some questions about the possible implications of this report and provided a better lens through which to view the survey results.
Arora: It’s not surprising, but alarming that digital and hard skills are considered by the youngest generation as the most important. Gen Z, with its close relationship with AI, is set to dominate the workplace and shake up the whole world of work. Unless organizations take steps to address the lack of teamwork and collaboration, and focus on soft skills and the human touch, we’ll witness a drop in interpersonal interactions in the workplace, less mentorship vs. more tech assistance, potentially a drop in critical thinking skills, and an overreliance on technology and AI tools.
About Nikhil Arora
The challenge for organizations will be to harness Gen Z’s AI proficiency while ensuring they don’t lose sight of the irreplaceable value of human connections and soft skills in the professional world.
QD: Digital skills were ranked as more important than interpersonal skills or even cognitive skills. Besides being a survey about Gen Z’s professional values, what does this say about the future of workplace values in general?
Arora: In the context of the survey question, growth refers to professional development hindered by AI performing tasks that could have been learning opportunities.
However, the results weren’t cut and dry. While Gen Z workers reported a positive influence on learning from generative AI tools, they did cite less interaction at work, and most agreed that there was a need for soft skills to be incorporated into training.
Arora: AI appears to be an invaluable resource for Gen Z employees—more than just a tool, it’s a 24/7 companion in their professional lives. The youngest generation of employees values AI for its efficiency, accessibility, and ability to provide instant guidance. This tech-savvy approach could lead to increased innovation and new problem-solving methods in the workplace.
Nikhil Arora has more than 25 years of experience in driving growth and business transformation across various industries, with a particular focus on software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for SMBs and consumers. His expertise in global scalability has led teams to success in markets worldwide, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As the CEO of Epignosis Learning Technologies, Arora shapes the company’s strategic vision to foster innovation in learning technology. Prior to joining Epignosis in 2023, Arora held leadership roles at GoDaddy, WeWork, Intuit, and others, leveraging his international experience to spearhead growth initiatives across diverse markets.