San Francisco Employers Hire Etiquette Coaches to Teach Gen Z Workplace Skills

In San Francisco, employers are hiring etiquette coaches to help Gen Z employees adapt to professional workplace norms. These coaches focus on teaching essential soft skills such as personal hygiene, proper email sign-offs, communication etiquette, and appropriate office behavior. As younger workers enter the workforce with limited in-person job experience, companies are investing in training to ensure they understand and meet professional expectations, ultimately aiming to improve workplace harmony and productivity.

Employers in San Francisco are becoming increasingly concerned about the behavior of their Gen Z staff, noting that many treat the office as if it were their personal space, expect rapid promotions, dress inappropriately, and sometimes even cut off communication without notice. With these issues becoming more frequent, businesses are seeking help from etiquette coaches to guide younger workers on established workplace expectations, according to the San Francisco Standard.

A survey by Intelligent.com involving 1,000 employers found that more than 12.5% of Gen Z applicants have shown up to interviews accompanied by a parent.

With return-to-office policies now in effect, tensions have heightened. After extended periods of online learning and remote work, Gen Z employees are now entering in-person workplaces, often without the necessary social and professional skills.

To address this, companies in the Bay Area are enlisting the help of etiquette professionals. Civility coach Rosalinda Randall, who works with clients like Stanford Research Park and major tech firms, notes a more than 50% increase in demand for her services in the past two months. Organizations are spending up to $2,500 (₹2.1 lakh) on 90-minute sessions that cover basics like maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces, personal grooming, and appropriate attire.

Some firms are creating internal guides for new hires that detail everything from suitable email sign-offs to expected behavior in meetings. Others are offering structured in-house training sessions on soft skills like emotional intelligence, professional communication, and proper use of workplace tools like Slack. Local colleges have also started hosting formal etiquette dinners to help students transition smoothly into professional environments.

However, many Gen Z employees feel the workplace challenges aren’t one-sided. Some argue that managers blur professional boundaries and expect them to be constantly available. “No cap. My manager Slacks me at 10 PM,” said Kevin, a 23-year-old engineer in SoMa. Another person remarked online, “Still waiting for that work-life balance they promised us.”

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Source: hindustantimes‍