In today’s fast-paced work culture, collaboration fuels innovation, creativity, and success. But there is a rising concern: tech-savvy youth are entering the workforce with underdeveloped social skills, shaped by years of screen time and remote learning. In this article, we discuss the challenges being experienced and suggest some ways to bridge the gap.
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, collaboration is more than just a workplace buzzword. It is a crucial element for innovation, productivity, and employee satisfaction. Yet, while workplaces are increasingly emphasising the need for teamwork and communication, a concerning paradox is emerging: the very tools and habits meant to connect us may be breeding a generation less equipped to thrive in collaborative spaces.
The value of collaboration in the workplace
For most, collaboration fuels creativity. At the very least, we often benefit from having a sounding board – someone we can bounce ideas off, or to try to poke holes into our theories. Nevertheless, when diverse minds come together to share perspectives, problem-solve, and innovate, organisations flourish. Effective teamwork leads to more dynamic decision-making, reduces silos, and promotes a shared sense of ownership and responsibility. Moreover, collaborative workplaces tend to foster stronger interpersonal relationships, boosting morale and encouraging a culture of mutual respect and support.
In many sectors – whether in tech, healthcare, education, or business – collaboration is no longer optional: It is essential. Within the competitiveness that might have existed at school or even within organisations, working in teams can be more efficient and effective, potentially, yielding greater results. Hence, employers are increasingly seeking candidates who are not only technically skilled but also emotionally intelligent, capable of working well with others, and adept at navigating group dynamics.
Technology use: a double-edged sword
However, although digital tools have transformed our personal and professional lives, it is also making us less sociable. We are spending more and more time online, which on average is close to six and a half hours per day (Source: Statista) and nearly two and a half hours a day on social media (Source Soax). Further, we no longer have to go out and engage with people as would typically have been the norm, as almost everything is accessible through our digital devices and without speaking to a human, or even typing in coherent sentences.
Not surprisingly, the impact of technology on our social skills is becoming more pronounced in upcoming generations, who would be considered digital natives and would have been using digital devices from a very young age. Moreover, with digital tools also revolutionised education – to make learning more accessible, personalised, and engaging – social development challenges are also emerging.
Many classrooms, particularly post-pandemic, rely heavily on virtual instruction, which, while necessary in some cases, limits opportunities for students to engage in organic, in-person collaboration. Tablet computers have replaced group activities, and online learning platforms have reduced the need for face-to-face interactions, which can suggest that the convenience of technology use is being given priority over social development. The result? Students may be mastering content but falling behind in soft skills, such as empathy, conflict resolution, and effective communication, which are critical in the workplace, and in everyday life.
The rise of youth isolation and underdeveloped social skills
However, beyond the classroom, the broader influence of technology on youth behaviour is equally significant. Social media and gaming platforms offer a sense of connection, but often at the expense of deep, meaningful interaction. Young people may spend hours engaged with digital peers, yet struggle with real-world social cues, eye contact, and collaborative problem-solving.
Several recent studies have shown increases in reported feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and social awkwardness among teens and young adults. More importantly, these symptoms can persist into adulthood – unless they are treated or resolved – and become evident in their professional lives and the extent to which they can be meaningful contributors to society. Further, when individuals enter the workforce lacking foundational social skills, collaboration suffers, innovation is stifled, and teams become less cohesive.
Reforging the human connection
To counteract these trends among children and the youth might be easier said than done. First, it will require a collaborative effort across society: at home (among children), in school, and in the workplace, to reintroduce and reinforce collaborative practices.
At home, parents could encourage their children to spend less time on their digital devices or in front of a screen, by, for example, prioritising play and play dates with other children. Also, children could be required to participate in clubs or extracurricular activities, such as sports, the arts, or leadership or social groups such as Girl Guides or Boy Scouts. The objective would be to keep them occupied, engaged and exposed to real-world situations that will help them to become socially developed.
In the classroom, this would mean prioritising group projects, peer feedback sessions, and discussion-based learning, even when technology is involved. In essence, it is about creating safe, structured spaces for real-world social engagement to nurture confidence and interpersonal growth among our children and youth.
In the workplace, mentorship programs, team-building activities, and collaborative tech tools (like shared workspaces and communication platforms) can help bridge generational gaps and foster connection. Leaders should model and encourage open communication, mutual support, and respect for diverse working styles.
However, it must also be said that these efforts will take time and commitment for individuals to develop those skills. The workplace has been an environment in which it is expected that employees already possess these skills, but as these skills are becoming increasingly underdeveloped, employers now need to do their part to create a space where those can be nurtured and employees still feel supported.
Conclusion
While technology continues to transform how we live, learn, and work, we must not lose sight of what makes us human: our ability to connect, empathise, and collaborate. The social trade-offs of a digitally saturated world are becoming increasingly evident; so we need to prepare future generations not just to adapt to the workplace whilst still maintaining our humanity.
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Even within households, the influence of digital saturation is evident. Family members often isolate themselves in their rooms, spending hours online, or when they do gather in shared spaces like the living room, only to remain engrossed on their individual devices.
Perhaps most strikingly, as I understand it, even in as sanctified places as the bedroom, couples waking up together only to be disrupted by the reflexive pull of social media, replacing simple, human gestures like a morning greeting.
It’s a clarion call!