Ask Jack: Why Are Gen Z Workers So Different?

SEPTEMBER 2023

We are having difficulties with recent college graduates being ready for the workplace. Are we the only ones?

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There is a growing consensus that Gen Z is unprepared for the workplace. A survey from the online magazine Intelligent found that 40 percent of business leaders thought Gen Z was unprepared for the workplace. Most felt Gen Z was "somewhat prepared". Of the 40 percent who thought Gen Z was unprepared, 94 percent avoided hiring them.

The survey also found that Gen Z had negative traits, including poor work ethic, sub-par communication skills, and a sense of entitlement. Most blamed modern culture, but around 50 percent blamed COVID. ?https://www.businessinsider.com/managers-avoid-hiring-recent-gen-z-college-graduates-unprepared-survey-2023-8?

Every older generation has found the newest generation entering the workplace to be "entitled". There has also been a societal push for balance between work and personal life that has swung a bit too far and unfairly discounts the personal value a positive work life brings to people beyond income - including socialization.

With that written, employers should seriously consider the harm the pandemic had on Gen Z. The lockdowns and subsequent restrictions for public health purposes cost Gen Z valuable socialization time and deprived them of work and volunteer opportunities. When those businesses that did not close did reopen, employers naturally hired candidates with experience, leaving many Gen Z applicants out in the cold.

The final takeaway is that Gen Z was dealt a "bad hand" and so now employers have another challenge to bring in the new generation of employees into the workplace. Every challenge is an opportunity, so employers should not discount Gen Z applicants. To help, employers should seriously consider using older and more experienced workers to mentor younger workers; on-boarding and training are crucial - in particular - training on boundaries, civility, and ethics.

Jack McCalmon, Leslie Zieren, and Emily Brodzinski are attorneys with more than 50 years combined experience assisting employers in lowering their risk, including answering questions, like the one above, through the McCalmon Group's Best Practices Help Line. The Best Practice Help Line is a service of The McCalmon Group, Inc. Your organization may have access to The Best Practice Help Line or a similar service from another provider at no cost to you or at a discount. For questions about The Best Practice Help Line or what similar services are available to you via this Platform, call 888.712.7667.

If you have a question that you would like Jack McCalmon, Leslie Zieren, or Emily Brodzinski to consider for this column, please submit it to [email protected]. Please note that The McCalmon Group cannot guarantee that your question will be answered. Answers are based on generally accepted risk management best practices. They are not, and should not be considered, legal advice. If you need an answer immediately or desire legal advice, please call your local legal counsel.