How Deloitte and PwC are Providing Extra Coaching to Younger UK Staff with Lockdown-disrupted Education

Deloitte and PwC are stepping up their coaching efforts for their UK junior staff, recognizing that those who experienced education interruptions due to lockdowns have weaker communication and teamwork skills than previous cohorts. Partners at the firms have observed that many of these employees lack confidence and struggle with basic tasks such as presentations and speaking up in meetings. Deloitte’s UK managing partner for people and purpose, Jackie Henry, noted that there is a greater need for training in essential professional and work skills. The pandemic has had a long-term impact on some people, and this has created challenges for employers trying to train new hires. To tackle this problem, PwC plans to ramp up its coaching provision to junior staff, while also creating a coaching initiative to give junior staff more exposure to in-person activities with partners and directors. Deloitte has also taken steps to address skills gaps by introducing a new induction program and training on presenting both online and in person. With more junior staff having had minimal or virtual work experience, Deloitte and PwC are emphasizing the importance of traditional face-to-face training to ensure that these employees gain essential skills and learn from more experienced colleagues.