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What will happen to Generation Z?
Bad news for recent college graduates. My boss is not a fan. Research shows that 6 in 10 bosses are offering benefits to Gen Z employees this year, and 1 in 6 companies are currently hesitant to hire Gen Z employees. Why are bosses so unimpressed with a new generation joining the workforce? As you can imagine, it’s complicated.
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1. Lack of spontaneity
As you might expect from a generation that grew up during the pandemic, many employers are noticing that some Zoomers aren’t prioritizing work. While previous generations thought they had to shine (and put in a lot of time) at the office to impress their bosses, Gen Zers are getting a crash course in learning that life is short. I have received However, 50% of employers surveyed say a lack of motivation and initiative is an issue.
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2. Lack of professionalism
This may not be surprising, considering that many Gen Z employees are doing their internships via Zoom and may lack extensive experience in a physical office. Not surprisingly, universities like Michigan State University offer classes to students on how to write and behave in work-appropriate emails.
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3. Poor organizational skills
About 45% of bosses say organizing is an issue for Gen Z employers. This is probably because they spend so much of their time on their phones (a staggering 7.2 hours per day).
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4. Poor communication skills
Even Gen Z workers admit they struggle to strike up a conversation with co-workers. According to a recent Harris poll, 65% of them admit that they are not good at communicating.
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5. Challenges with feedback
No one likes receiving negative feedback, and it seems Gen Z prefers a different approach. Instead of annual performance reviews, we want to provide ongoing feedback so you can stay on top of the moment and make changes quickly. This may mean more work for bosses, but 38% of bosses feel younger employees have problems with feedback, so it could be a solution.
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6. Lack of relevant work history
Well, this is difficult. 40% of managers complain that Gen Z employees don’t have the right work experience, but once someone does the job they’re asked to do, that seems like an easy fix. And if this is your first job out of college, what do you expect?
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7. Poor problem-solving skills
Blame it on the internet. With answers to almost everything just a click away, Gen Zers are used to receiving information without thinking, which prevents them from developing detailed analytical skills. Believe it or not, technology is likely rewiring Gen Z’s brains, and not for the better.
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8. Inadequate technical skills
It’s hard to believe that a generation that grew up playing computer games and typing on social media wouldn’t be interested in this category, but it turns out that Excel is nothing like Mario Kart. In fact, schools in London have introduced 12-hour school days to familiarize students with workplace norms, and phones are banned.
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9. They are not culturally fit.
While this sounds like a euphemism for “get rid of this guy,” the good news is that if Gen Z improves their communication skills, they can help build a more inclusive and diverse workplace. It can be extremely important.
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10. They cannot work in a team.
Gen Z is known for preferring to work independently, but they also want continuous mentorship and work-life balance, while older employees feel that work is time-consuming, so Construction skills are often lacking. It may be time for workplaces to create mentorship programs to ease pressure from disgruntled bosses on Gen Z employees.
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11. They have rights.
It’s hard to say that anyone who spent their formative years during a pandemic has that right, but perhaps Gen Z also grew up with overly involved helicopter parents. Bosses see this generation as being too quick to expect high salaries and promotions, and are prioritizing work-life balance over the workplace, which won’t win them fans.
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12. They are often late for work.
About 20% of managers say Gen Z employees are often late for work, and no one wants someone rolling into the office long after the start time. Aside from reminding employees who are late how to set their cell phone alarms (something we’re sure you already know), why are so many bosses reluctant to hire Gen Z next year? You can see if it is.
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13. They dress unprofessionally.
Well, this seems like an easy fix if your boss just says something like, “Sweatpants aren’t allowed at work,” but it may require a difficult conversation and a call to HR. Around 19% of bosses find this a problem, suggesting that no one should buy work clothes through the TikTok shop unless they are working from home.
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14. Unable to manage workload
Gen Z employees may feel overwhelmed by what their bosses expect of them. Additionally, more than a fifth (21%) of recruiters say new graduates have difficulty managing their workload.
This article was originally published on Cheapism
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