The realities of the workforce are changing rapidly, with significant advances in artificial intelligence and automation, the rise of hybrid and remote work, and evolving career expectations. Today's workforce is more diverse than ever, with five active generations in the workforce. Perceptions, attitudes about work, and expectations differ, and there is a lot of talk about what the future of work looks like for millennials, Gen Z, and beyond.
In GSSEM's latest white paper release, Investing in the Next Generation: Preparing Workforce Ready Girls to Lead and Thrive, we explore the changing workforce and the challenges and advantages of young workers. We also look at how youth organizations, employers, communities, and philanthropies can support and adapt to new methods, attitudes, and expectations of the emerging young workforce.
Technical knowledge is important to employers, but both young people and organizations recognize the enduring importance of interpersonal abilities, such as communication, critical thinking, adaptability, leadership, and relationship building. Employer research shows these are among the attributes that employers value most.
While technologically adept, young workers often are challenged with demonstrating the durable skills needed to advance and grow in the workplace. America Succeeds, a nonprofit organization focused on workforce readiness, refers to "durable skills" as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, fortitude, growth mindset, and leadership. These skills allow individuals to learn new tools, respond when faced with unexpected circumstances, collaborate with coworkers, and apply their existing technological knowledge effectively.
Today's girls are developing in a world influenced constantly by digital connection, fewer opportunities for in-person interaction, rising loneliness and anxiety, economic uncertainty, and the pressure to be ready for professional jobs when they graduate high school and college. The expectations of entry-level roles are changing, impacting young professionals' entry into the job market. With AI automating some junior-level routine tasks, which previously were the training ground for interpersonal and professional skills required for career growth and advancement, the bar is higher for people newly entering the workforce.
Girl Scouts recognizes the need to prepare girls and young women for the changing workforce by giving them opportunities to develop technical and durable skills early on. Girls build confidence and practice leadership through girl-led activities, the Cookie Program, outdoor experiences, community service, and Highest Award projects. We also recognize that preparing for the future workforce is a shared responsibility, with youth-serving organizations providing a strong foundation for youth growth, employers supporting that development through mentorship, feedback, belonging, and allowing young workers to have meaningful responsibilities, and businesses and philanthropic partners ensuring that girls have access to the programs and relationships where this development begins.
To learn more, read the latest white paper and join GSSEM for our 2026 Tough Enough Breakfast.
