workplace skills for Gen Z: Is Gen Z too soft for the modern workplace? Here’s why ‘friction-maxxing’ is essential for workplace skills
A new idea known as “friction-maxing” suggests that deliberately stepping into uncomfortable human interactions may be one of the most valuable career skills young professionals can develop in an increasingly automated world, according to a report by Fortune.
Why are everyday awkward moments becoming important again?
For people growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, life naturally included countless small social interactions. Getting directions often meant going to a gas station and asking someone for help. Ordering food required speaking directly to another person. Calling a friend involved the possibility of having an awkward conversation with a parent before reaching the person you wanted to talk to.
These moments were rarely seen as lessons. They were just part of normal life. Many members of Generation Z grew up in a different environment. Technology has slowly eliminated many of these interactions through GPS, messaging, apps, online ordering and digital communication.
The result is not a criticism of younger generations. Instead, it highlights how modern systems are designed to reduce discomfort wherever possible. The challenge, according to “maximizing friction” advocates, is that these uncomfortable moments may have been quietly teaching valuable life skills all along.
What exactly is “friction-maxxing”?
Author Kathryn Jezer-Morton coined the term “friction-maxing” to describe the deliberate practice of increasing tolerance for social discomfort that technology has largely eliminated. A simple example is having a phone conversation with a stranger. Unlike sending a text message, a phone call happens in real time. As noted in a report by Fortune, there is no opportunity to rewrite answers, delete mistakes, or carefully edit each word before speaking.
The concept gained traction online, where some parents shared videos of teens learning to make their own appointments over the phone.
Rather than shaming their children, these parents help them practice the low-pressure interactions that previous generations regularly experienced.
These small experiences may seem insignificant, but supporters argue that they serve as valuable preparation for more important conversations later in life.
Why are these skills more important in the age of artificial intelligence?
As AI continues to automate many technical tasks, workplace expectations are evolving. The report notes that coding, research, data analysis and other entry-level responsibilities are increasingly being handled by technology.
What is difficult to automate are human interactions that involve disagreement, persuasion, cooperation, and judgment. The ability to remain calm during conflict, explain an idea clearly, listen to criticism, and develop a solution after receiving feedback remains highly valuable.
A 2025 survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities found that 96% of employers believe the ability to resolve disputes efficiently is important in today’s workplace.
But only 34% think new graduates are ready to do this. This gap represents a huge opportunity for young professionals who want to develop these skills.
What are lasting skills and why are employers focusing on them?
The workplace increasingly values what many employers describe as permanent skills. These include active listening, collaboration, communication, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively with people with different perspectives.
According to a 2025 DeVry University survey, 78% of employers said permanent skills are the new form of job security. Another 70% reported that these skills influenced their promotion decisions. The report highlights examples where these skills have become critical. A flight attendant dealing with a difficult passenger, a nurse voicing concern about a medication error, or an employee dealing with workplace disagreements all rely on communication and interpersonal judgment. When these skills are lacking, problems often escalate and require the intervention of others. When they are present, teams work more effectively and solutions evolve.
Can difficult conversations really be had?
Supporters of friction maximization argue that every uncomfortable interaction acts as an educational opportunity. The awkward phone call becomes practice. A disagreement discussed rather than avoided becomes practice. Chatting with someone who sees the world differently becomes practice. Many colleges are already incorporating these experiences into their educational programs. One example mentioned in the report is the Civic Gym initiative run by Unify America.
The program connects students from different schools and backgrounds and encourages them to discuss challenging issues such as immigration, education and freedom of expression.
The goal is not necessarily to reach agreement. Instead, participants gain experience in resolving disputes in a respectful and productive manner.
Approximately 900 students at the University of North Dakota participated. According to the results of the program, more than 90% reported feeling listened to and respected. More than 80% said they gained a perspective they had not considered before. Three-quarters expressed interest in participating again, as noted in one report.
How can Generation Z start developing these skills today?
One approach is to have a conversation in which you ask two follow-up questions before sharing your own opinion. This encourages active listening and deeper understanding.
Another suggestion is to handle group project conflicts through direct conversation rather than long text messages. People are also encouraged to pause and consider why another person might believe what they do before dismissing opposing viewpoints. Introducing yourself to someone at an event rather than immediately picking up the phone is another example of creating meaningful human interaction. Even something as mundane as making your own appointment over the phone can become a valuable practice in real life.
The message behind maximizing friction is simple. Discomfort is not always something to be avoided. Sometimes this is where growth happens.
As technology continues to remove friction from daily life, the ability to manage real conversations, disagreements, and human connections may become one of the most valuable professional advantages a person can develop. In a workplace increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, these skills may be what sets future leaders apart.
FAQ
What is friction maximization?
This means deliberately practicing uncomfortable real-life interactions.
Why is it important in the workplace?
It helps develop communication and conflict resolution skills.
