Bridging the workplace soft-skills gap across generations

Recently in my morning news reading, I came across an article quoting a software developer who was bemoaning the way the younger generation struggles with composing emails, if not being outright ignorant of how to properly use email.

Much has been written about the soft-skills gap encountered among text- and emoji-happy Gen Zers and Gen Alphas. Accustomed to a wired world, many are perceived by their managers as possessing underdeveloped skills when it comes to communicating with clients or co-workers.

In a November 2024 study by tech-training firm General Assembly, 27% of vice presidents and directors surveyed were not open to hiring entry-level Gen Zers, citing their lack of preparation for the work world. Specifically, 49% of executives cited “a lack of soft skills, with traits like communication, collaboration and adaptability topping the list.”

To be fair, Gen Zers recognize this perception, and it’s something upon which they’re actively focused. Eighty-six percent of Gen Zers think that soft skills are a top requirement for their career advancement, according to Deloitte Global’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey.

And while I’ve had to nudge Gen Zers and millennials to make phone calls or attend events in-person, they’re hardly alone. After an isolating global pandemic and 20 years of (ironically depersonalizing) social media, I know plenty of AARP-age folks who also eschew in-person communications in favor of texting or emailing.

Although they form a small sample population, the Gen Zers and millennials who have worked on my team have been hard-working, dedicated and diligent people who care about their jobs and the quality of their work.

I would suggest that perhaps the problem could be solved by leading from a position of kindness and patience, while increasing opportunities for mentorship and training.

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And now for some housekeeping. Eagle-eyed readers may note that starting with this month’s issue, the Virginia Business logo on our 2026 covers will be sporting a little addition – the words “40 years.”
Back in 1986, when I was still in high school, Media General established Virginia Business as the state’s first and only statewide publication devoted to covering the commonwealth’s business community — a distinction we still hold.

Over the past five decades, we’ve covered the rises and falls of AOL and A.H. Robins. We also provided early coverage of a successful cellular phone entrepreneur with political aspirations named Mark Warner. And speaking of U.S. Sen. Warner, Virginia Business has been covering state business news and politics through the administrations of 11 governors, from Gov. Gerald Baliles to the commonwealth’s newest Executive Mansion resident, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who appeared on our January cover.

In August, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at Virginia Business’s history within the pages of our annual Milestones issue, which is devoted to celebrating major anniversaries of businesses based in Virginia.

Another statewide media outlet celebrating its 40th birthday in 2026 is our sister publication, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, also owned by our parent company, BridgeTower Media.

And in this anniversary year, I have been named associate publisher and editor for Virginia Lawyers Weekly in addition to continuing in those same roles here at Virginia Business. Additionally, Katherine Schulte was promoted to deputy editor.

It makes sense to build on the synergy between Virginia Business and Virginia Lawyers Weekly. After all, Virginia Business also has been covering the state’s legal community since 1986, and for the past 26 years, we have published the Legal Elite, a peer-selected list of Virginia’s leading attorneys that is now co-published with Virginia Lawyers Weekly.

As leader of both publications, I look forward to continuing our 40-year tradition of delivering timely, practical, high-quality intelligence on Virginia’s business and legal communities via our online and print products. If you’re an attorney and Virginia Business reader who isn’t currently subscribed to Virginia Lawyers Weekly, I strongly encourage you to add it to your weekly reading to stay up to date with the latest court decisions and professional news.

Thank you to all our subscribers and advertisers at both publications for your ongoing support and readership. Here’s to another 40 years!