Business Etiquette Training for Gen Z
As I travel the country speaking to companies, I hear the same thing over and over again—from HR directors, Presidents of Sales, and Learning & Development leaders:
“We’re onboarding incredibly smart Gen Z new hires… but something’s missing.”
Let me be clear: Gen Z is not the problem.
In fact, what I see—again and again—is that this generation is eager. They’re curious. They want to show up and do well. Many simply haven’t been shown how.
And this is where we, as leaders, have a powerful role to play.
What Business Etiquette Reveals
Business etiquette training isn’t only about which fork to use. It’s about presence. It’s about how we communicate, collaborate, and contribute in a professional setting.
When we include business etiquette as part of new hire training—especially for Gen Z—we give them the tools to thrive. We model emotional intelligence. We teach the soft skills every successful career depends on: self-awareness, confidence, executive presence, and respect for the workplace environment.
I’ve seen firsthand what happens when this foundation is built.
What I’m Hearing from Companies
In recent sessions, I’ve spoken with executives who are rethinking how they welcome new employees. Many are recognizing that business etiquette training isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s a must-have.
They’re seeing that Gen Z doesn’t need to be fixed. They need to be shown.
One company shared that after adding a half-day etiquette and communication workshop to their new hire training program, they noticed a shift: stronger connections between team members, more confidence in meetings, and better communication across departments.
Why? Because etiquette builds belonging—and that’s something every generation is craving.
As Leaders, Who Do We Need to Be?
We need to be present. We need to be approachable. We need to model what professionalism looks like—not with lectures, but with invitation.
Gen Z training that includes etiquette is not about being rigid. It’s about creating clarity. It’s about setting expectations with warmth and wisdom.
When we teach Gen Z how to introduce themselves, how to build rapport in a meeting, or how to follow up after a networking event—we’re not just teaching manners. We’re handing them the keys to their future success.
Let’s Rethink Onboarding
The companies that are winning right now are the ones who are thinking differently about their new hire training experience. They’re weaving in Gen Z training that’s modern, relevant, and anchored in real-world etiquette.
If you’re a leader reading this, consider this your moment of impact. What could shift in your company culture if your next generation of talent learned how to:
- Make a powerful first impression
- Communicate with clarity and respect
- Build trust in every interaction
- Represent your company with confidence
That’s what business etiquette training delivers.
Final Thought
Gen Z isn’t the problem. They’re the possibility.
Let’s show them what’s possible—by modeling it ourselves.
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Related Article: What Is Executive Presence
