The National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) has launched an innovative offering to help Gen Z employees become as confident with their offline personas, as they are online.
Called Prologue by NIDA and developed by NIDA’s Corporate Training team, which has been training business leaders for more than 30 years, the course is specifically designed to help Gen Z acquire the skills to feel more confident in face-to-face and ‘traditional’ workplace settings.
A 2023 US study revealed that 90% of Gen Z employees experience social discomfort or anxiety at work, with ‘being called on in meetings’ and ‘giving presentations’ in their top five reasons as to why they feel anxious.
Leading Gen Z expert and social researcher, Claire Madden, says the situation is just as pressing in Australia – especially as more and more employers call on a return to the office, which may create socially awkward and anxiety-inducing moments for many workers, particularly those of Gen Z.
“The way we work is being redefined for Gen Z, as they emerge into their career years amidst seismic global shifts and rapid disruption,” says Claire.
“Gen Z bring unique strengths into the multigenerational workplace. They are informed consumers, willing contributors, and digitally capable. Yet whilst they are tech-savvy and confident at curating their virtual identities, there can be a confidence gap when it comes to interpersonal skills and communicating face-to-face with clients and colleagues.
“Gen Z has been starved of the multiple opportunities to foster these skills in the way their older colleagues have.
“So, following the Great Resignation, it seems like we may now have the Great IRL Hesitation: people feeling awkward in office interactions, presenting, asking for help, and even just picking up the phone for a call can fill many with dread and create a feeling of apprehension.
“It makes sense for an offering like Prologue by NIDA to come along, that not only helps them with crafting their offline persona and communicating effectively in the workplace, but also delivers entertaining and insightful content in a way that works for them,” Claire adds.
Prologue by NIDA’s first self-directed course, Act Natural, includes a hardcover book, app, audio guide, films and games. Lessons within the course take 15-30mins a day, and the full course requires approximately six to eight weeks to complete.
“The methods and skills taught in the dramatic arts are the perfect tools to help you become a better communicator, understand your own character, and how it relates to and influences others,”
“Prologue by NIDA takes the power of NIDA Corporate Training and shares it in a whole new way for people who want to learn at their own pace,”
“It’s available to anyone, regardless of geographic location and blends professional with personal development and education with entertainment. It’s learning, designed to be fun,” says Tricia Ryan, Head of New Business – Prologue by NIDA.
The first Prologue by NIDA course is now available via https://prologue.edu.au/ and costs $759 incl GST (tax deductible for some) and also available to purchase using AfterPay.
