It’s a simple fact that Gen Z will continue to represent an increasingly significant proportion of the workforce. They already represent roughly one quarter of workers, and that percentage will continue to grow as more Zoomers enter the workforce and more Boomers and Gen X retire. This generational shift is part of basic demographics.
But many employers are not quite ready to fully embrace Gen Z. Or, to put it a little differently, many employers believe that Gen Z is not quite ready for the workplace.
Gen Z Workplace Skills Lacking?
Suzanne Blake tackles the issue in a recent article for Newsweek where she notes that “one in six businesses said they were hesitant to hire recent college graduates over concerns about how prepared they are for the work as well as their communication skills and professionalism.” Six in ten, she says, have already fired recent college graduates who didn’t live up to expectations and one in seven say they may be hesitant to hire new grads in the coming year.
The Intelligent.com study was based on a survey of close to 1,000 employers conducted in August 2024.
The Education/Workplace Disconnect
“Many recent college graduates may struggle with entering the workforce for the first time as it can be a huge contrast from what they are used to throughout their education journey,” Intelligent’s Chief Education and Career Development Advisor Huy Nguyen said in the report.
“They are often unprepared for a less structured environment, workplace cultural dynamics, and the expectation of autonomous work. Although they may have some theoretical knowledge from college, they often lack the practical, real-world experience and soft skills required to succeed in the work environment.”
Impact on Employers
This data is mixed news for employers.
On the one hand, it may signal a need to be wary of Gen Z workers, based on the experience of other employers. On the other hand, the negative sentiment about Gen Z among many employers could represent an opportunity for those willing to take a chance on this young group of potential employees.
While recent graduates may understandably lack abundant real-world job skills, employers willing to offer mentoring and coaching may find they have the ability to tap into a large pool of talent with raw potential.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.