Isolated from their peers by pandemic-induced lockdowns, recruits at two of the Big Four accounting firms' British offices are getting extra coaching to improve their teamwork and presentation skills, The Financial Times (FT) reported.

The recruits have less confidence doing basic tasks such as making presentations and speaking up in meetings, according to the firms, which are two of the United Kingdom’s biggest recruiters of graduates and apprentices.

Both firms acknowledge the challenges caused by the long-term impact of pandemic restrictions.

“This means that there is a greater need for employers to provide training on basic professional and working skills, that wasn’t necessary in prior years,” Jackie Henry, Deloitte’s U.K. managing partner for people and purpose, told the FT.

It was “understandable that students who missed out on face-to-face activities during Covid may now be stronger in certain fields, such as working independently, and less confident in others,” while some were “less confident” presenting and talking at meetings, collaborating with colleagues and networking, Ian Elliot, PwC’s chief people officer, told the FT.

Hybrid working has compounded the problem, Elliott said. To address it, PwC has increased its coaching for junior staff. The firm has allowed some client-facing employees to spend two years on temporary assignment as full-time coaches, guiding  junior colleagues on their career development, performance and well-being. If the coaches go on to pursue formal career coaching qualifications, the firm will fund them.

Deloitte has started a new induction program, plus training on presenting online and in person, and building professional networks. In July, new recruits will attend a week-long training program with sessions on “mental resilience, overcoming adversity and the importance of mindset,” Henry said. The firm has also explained the benefits of coming to the office “to collaborate, network and learn from more experienced colleagues.”