Every new generation entering the workforce faces criticism, and Gen Z is no exception. There’s been a lot of buzz about Gen-Z and their employability since they entered the workforce.
The question is - Is it a generation that is highly misunderstood or underestimated or is there any truth to the alleged lack of skills?
Multiple reports and surveys claim that hiring managers and employers, in general, have formed an opinion about Gen-Z lacking skills when it comes to employability.
One such survey was conducted by Intelligent.com in August 2024. In this, they surveyed 966 business leaders involved in hiring decisions at their company to explore attitudes toward hiring recent Gen Z college graduates.
It was alarming that 75% of companies reported that some or all of the recent college graduates they hired in 2024 were unsatisfactory.
But is this criticism entirely fair? Or are we overlooking the fact that the workplace itself is evolving, and so are its expectations?
While Gen Z brings innovation, tech savviness, and entrepreneurial spirit to the table, there are certain skills where they seem to lag. However, labelling an entire generation as "lazy" oversimplifies the issue.
So the right question to ask is - How can we bridge the skill gaps? Let’s take a look:
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Professionalism and soft skills - Employers often report that Gen Z struggles with traditional workplace norms, such as timely communication, and general business etiquette. This can be bridged by offering them mentorship programs and providing actionable feedback.
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Attention span and focus - This can’t be labelled as just a Gen-Z problem, it’s the by-product of going through a global pandemic, social media trends and information overload. Explaining the “why” behind the tasks and keeping clear milestones might help along with promoting mindfulness practices.
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Conflict resolution - Many employers feel that Gen Z struggles with receiving constructive criticism and navigating conflicts without disengaging. Encouraging open dialogue and creating a psychologically safe workplace can help in addressing these issues.
Today, it's Gen Z under the microscope, but not long ago, Millennials were the ones shouldering these stereotypes.
A 2013 TIME article dubbed Millennials the "Me Me Me Generation," portraying them as self-absorbed and lacking work ethic.
It’s also crucial to reflect on the workplace culture itself. Are we holding on to outdated practices that no longer resonate with the modern workforce?
By fostering an environment that balances structure with flexibility and guidance with freedom, we can ensure Gen Z and every future generation thrives. After all, we cannot rule out a whole generation out of the workforce, can we?
They aren’t just the employees of today - they are the leaders of tomorrow. Let’s give them the tools they need to succeed.
