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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: Mixed bag for construction in South Africa

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The latest FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index paints a mixed picture for construction in South Africa.


The index dropped by two points from 43 points in 3Q2023 to 41 in 4Q2023, meaning that nearly 60% of those in the civil engineering industry are dissatisfied with the prevailing business conditions.

Despite the overall decline, sub-indices are far more positive, with growth in activity continuing to gain momentum, resulting in better-than-average overall profitability.

“Activity in the civil construction sector has been on an upward trajectory for the past few quarters. However, according to Statistics SA it fell back somewhat in 3Q2023, contracting in real terms by 0.9% year-on-year,” Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, Senior Economist at FNB, said.

“That said, the survey results suggest that construction activity likely rebounded in 4Q2023.”
FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index
Looking ahead, respondents said that they expect an improvement in order books in the next quarter.This and a decline in the index measuring the keenness of tendering price competition to its lowest level since 2013 suggest that the growth momentum will be maintained, even if it’s just over the short term.

“The survey results reveal a sector in which demand is currently relatively abundant and the pipeline of work robust. However, respondents remain concerned about the prevalence of criminal activity in the sector as well as the uncertainty created by the cancellation of tenders and delays in tender adjudication, which may have weighed on the overall business mood,” said Mkhwanazi.

“The underlying data related to activity, profitability and tender competition are much more positive than what sentiment suggests. In fact, the sector seems to be experiencing a period of sustained activity growth.”

“One can therefore conclude that confidence is being negatively affected by factors not directly related to current demand, along with broader pessimism from other parts of the economy relating to load-shedding, logistical constraints and the fiscus, among others.”

The source for this hardhatNEWS is Business Tech

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