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Gen Z's reliance on digital communication methods has created challenges in developing comprehensive communication skills, including both verbal and written. Unlike previous generations, they may lack proficiency in comprehensive communication, making it difficult to address imbalances like they were in the past through traditional workshops or mentorship. Recent research indicates that managers and business leaders find Gen-Z to be more challenging to work with compared to other generations. The reasons cited include a lack of technology skills, insufficient motivation and effort, poor communication abilities, and a tendency to take offense easily. If Gen-Z wants to improve their professional standing in the workplace, experts recommend focusing on enhancing their interpersonal and communication skills. Here are some specific strategies: Expand Your Reading : Gen-Z individuals tend to neglect reading newspapers, books, and even relevant industry and trends reports online. Reading
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NEWS: Govt must act to stop slump in SA infrastructure investment, says Absa.

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South Africa’s government must make good on its promises to deliver structural and economic reforms aimed at improving infrastructure and bolstering business conditions to revive capital expenditure, according to a report by Absa.


Gross domestic fixed investment in South Africa has "declined dramatically" to about 14% of gross domestic product at the end of the second quarter from its peak of 22.7% of GDP in the final three months of 2008, Absa economists Peter Worthington, Miyelani Maluleke and Sello Sekele, said. The data suggest investment spending is largely directed toward maintenance instead of growing productive capacity, according to the Johannesburg-based lender.
 

The decline is partly due to weak business sentiment that’s hamstrung private-sector investments, the lender said. Since 2018, spending by private firms has accounted for 71% of all capital expenditure, with government and state-owned company expenditure making up 18% and 11% respectively, Absa’s research shows.

A decrease in public spending on infrastructure, which fell by an annual average of 5.8% from 2015 through 2021, also contributed to the drag, it said. While the National Treasury, in February, outlined plans to boost spending on infrastructure, businesses are unlikely to follow until conditions improve, Absa said.   

“Because government’s record on delivery of its reform promises is poor, we believe that business will largely wait” until it’s confident that a better operating environment is imminent before committing substantial capital for expansion, the authors said. 



South Africa needs to “substantially address” its infrastructure constraints, including on energy, ports, rail and water, improve governance particularly among municipalities and tackle the deterioration in safety and security, the lender said. Its progress on reforms is likely to be patchy and slow, Absa said. 

Source: News24 

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