Gen Z is facing significant challenges in the workplace, and recent studies have shed light on the reasons behind this trend.
This new generation entering the job market has often been labeled by employers as lacking in work ethic, professionalism, and a willingness to put in the effort, leading to many being dismissed within a few months.
But could there be more beneath the surface?
Every generation has its quirks and criticisms, such as Boomers with their distinctive fashion choices.
An article from Inc. revealed that 60 percent of employers acknowledged firing Gen Z employees they hired last year, prompting further discussion on the underlying causes.
It’s crucial not to generalize an entire group, but there appear to be three main reasons contributing to the higher turnover rate of Gen Z employees.
Mark Travers, an expert in the field, outlined these reasons in Forbes.
Let’s explore them.
Lack of Motivation
Not everyone is eager to join the hustle culture, and that’s perfectly okay.
However, when older generations criticize young people for not working hard, they often overlook the context.
Gen Z has faced numerous challenges from the start, including the 2008 economic downturn, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a constantly shifting job market.
Stability has been elusive for them.
Many Gen Zers witnessed their parents endure financial hardships and job losses, fostering a distrust of corporate environments where employee welfare is often neglected.
Given this backdrop, it’s understandable why they might prefer working smarter over working harder.
Deloitte found that Gen Z values employers who prioritize employee well-being and social responsibility.
They may yearn for jobs that contribute positively to society.
Communication Differences
While Gen Z speaks the same language, their style of communication often differs from older generations.
This can lead to frustration among colleagues.
Having been immersed in social media from a young age, Gen Z may find face-to-face interactions challenging, particularly in professional settings.
In 2022, Harvard Law School highlighted that many Gen Z workers began their careers during the pandemic, relying heavily on virtual communication methods like Zoom, texts, and emails.
The typical workday involved minimal face-to-face interaction, resulting in a communication gap.
Work-Life Balance Prioritization
Gen Z has observed the toll that relentless work schedules have taken on previous generations and is determined to avoid the same fate.
If you belong to the Millennial generation or are a “cusper,” you might find it challenging to decline extra demands from an employer.
Many struggle with this, even if it benefits their bank accounts.
Conversely, Gen Z is turning away from the traditional hustle culture, as Chloe Bombi notes, drawing inspiration from unconventional entrepreneurial paths like cryptocurrency.
In conversations with The Financial Times, it’s clear that Gen Z seeks mentorship to achieve their potential.
A 2023 Deloitte report indicated that 50 percent of Gen Z prioritized work-life balance, with little tolerance for anything less.
They aim to work smarter, not harder.
Gen Z’s employment challenges aren’t simply due to being a “bad generation” of workers. Instead, they are confronting outdated workplace systems and a lack of adaptation to modern expectations.