“Gen Z are digital natives and they've always communicated online, so their interpersonal skills, or soft skills, have suffered,” said Salinas. “They took an even bigger hit because of Covid-19, and it has shifted the way that we need to interact with them in the workplace.”
Managers said they struggle with Generation Z workers for other reasons: Lack of motivation. Lack of productivity. Poor communication skills. Short attention span.
Gen Z, loosely defined as those born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s, is the latest generation to enter the workforce. A survey done by Resume Builder, a resource website for job seekers, revealed that around 3 out of 4 managers find that Gen Z is the most challenging generation to work with.
Anxiety and depression: Gen Z experiences high rates of anxiety and depression due to academic pressures, social media comparisons, economic uncertainty, and other stressors. Encourage open conversations: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for Gen Z individuals to express their feelings and concerns.
Despite stereotypes endorsed by older generations, millennials are one of the hardest working generations. Over a quarter of them work 2 or more jobs. The number of weekly working hours is also astonishing for this generation, with 73% working more than 40 hours per week, and almost 25% working more than 50 hours.
It found that, while there are similar rates of happiness across the older three generations, Gen Z is by far the least happy at work. Twenty-six percent of Gen Zers were unhappy in their jobs, and 17% were actively thinking about quitting.
Gen Z and millennials are leading 'the big quit' in 2023—why nearly 70% plan to leave their jobs.
Gen Z workers are well-versed in technology, but not fluent in softer skills such as in-person communication and interpersonal dynamics, so companies will need to adjust how they train these younger workers.
Gen Z's social media habits are making them anxious, too
Social media compounds it all. While there are many benefits to social media, it's a double-edged sword because it can create pressure, insecurity and judgement. It's no surprise Zoomers feel pressure to have a picture-perfect image and life.
Gen Z employees believe that they are more than their jobs and they want their employers to know the same. However, they have indicated in polls that they are prepared to work hard even on weekends and evenings when necessary to develop their careers and achieve security.
It's little wonder why: Gen Z are more likely than other generations to report that the pay they receive for their work does not afford them a good quality of life (26% compared to 20%), and 77% of them are in search of a new job (nearly double the rate of other respondents), per a McKinsey & Company report.
Realistic vs Optimistic
Seventy-seven percent of Generation Z expect to work harder than previous generations. Millennials became optimistic thanks to their encouraging Baby Boomer parents and growing up in a time of prosperity and opportunity.
Gen Z workers, aged between 18 and 26, make up about 35% of those wanting to quit, while millennials (aged 27 to 42) are another 31%. The common reason cited by 44% of the workers considering quitting their jobs is overwork.
According to a new study by Ten Spot, Gen-Z has faced huge challenges in the transition to working from home, especially in the areas of productivity, boredom, mental health and skill development. Only 13% say they have no remote-work challenges and love their work-from-home life.
Gen Z employees may be motivated by recognition for their efforts and accomplishments. As a manager, you can help motivate your Gen Z employees by providing regular feedback and praise for their work and by offering opportunities for growth and advancement.
Social media and technology use are major contributors to Gen Z depression. While technology has many advantages, it can also be a source of anxiety and stress. Excessive social media use has been linked to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and depression, according to research.
Many Gen Z respondents reported experiencing stress, sadness, anger, and frustration due to climate change and its related disasters. More than 50 percent of total respondents expressed fear and anxiety about the future, with Gen Z demonstrating greater concern than other generations.
According to the Cigna study, 39% say worries about money are a major cause of stress. In addition, according to a study by DailyPay and Harris Poll, 48% say they are unable to move out of their parents' homes due to financial challenges, and 33% are concerned inflation will make it tough for them to buy a home.
To appeal to Gen Z employees and keep them happy, managers will have to offer various working styles outside the standard 9-to-5 experience. It will also be important for leadership to encourage good work-life balance among team members by convincing them to take regular breaks and manage their schedules effectively.
Gen Zers say they need a salary of almost $125,000 to feel like they've made it, a new study found. The study of 1,000 workers showed that 58% of young professionals are unhappy with their current salary. Although Gen Z wants more money, they also tend to prioritize work-life balance.
Gen Zers dream of personal career fulfillment but expect economic struggles. They have less positive life outlooks, with lower levels of emotional and social well-being than older generations.
Gen Z is also the smartest and best educated generation. Having an unlimited wealth of information at our disposal has not gone to waste. In America, 57 percent of Gen Z is reported to have enrolled in a two-year or four-year college, compared to 52 percent of Millenials and 43 percent of Gen X.
Gen Xers are a comparatively rare group.
Compared to Baby Boomers (75 million) and Millennials (83 million), Generation X members are outnumbered. Estimates have placed the population at around 65 million.