HP North America managing director George Brasher rejects claims that Gen Z employees lack workplace skills, highlighting their ability to build relationships and leverage AI for business success.

Key Points

• George Brasher, SVP at HP, reports that Gen Z employees excel at active listening and fostering trust with customers.
• HP, which employs 55,000 people globally, views digital-native skills as a competitive advantage for innovation and collaboration.
• Data from a 2026 PwC analysis shows U.S. job postings requiring AI skills increased by 66% compared to the previous year.
• Executives at companies including Colgate, Stripe, and LinkedIn have publicly supported the professional value of Gen Z workers.
• Despite criticism from some public figures regarding work ethic, HP leadership maintains that AI proficiency improves both productivity and work-life balance.

Why it Matters

The integration of Gen Z into the workforce is reshaping corporate expectations regarding technology adoption and professional communication. As AI skills become a prerequisite for entry-level roles, companies that successfully leverage the digital fluency of younger employees may gain a significant competitive edge.