According to the New York Post and the Daily Mail on the 25th (local time), six out of 10 respondents said they had already fired Gen Z employees (born in the mid-1990s to early 2010s) who were hired earlier this year by education media Intelligent.
In particular, one in seven employers said they would not hire new employees next year, saying there were many problems with Gen Z workers, and eight in 10 said the recent Gen Z hiring was “unsatisfactory” in every way.
They said they were hesitant to hire college graduates due to concerns about work ethics, communication skills, and job readiness. Employers cited “lack of motivation” and “lack of initiative” as reasons for feeling dissatisfied with Generation Z or for their relationship to go well. Meanwhile, the main reasons for dismissal were lack of professionalism, communication skills, and unorganized attitude.
“Many people who just graduated from college may have difficulty entering the workplace for the first time,” said Hui Nguyen, an advisor on education and career development at Intelligent. “Generation Z is reluctant to hire because it often does not prepare for a less structured environment, a dynamic workplace culture, or autonomous work.”
According to the actual survey, more than half of the employers concluded that Generation Z was not prepared for their work life. They pointed out to the media, “They are wrestling with Generation Z on issues such as frequent tardiness, inappropriate clothes, and language.” In response, advisor Hui said, “(Gen Z) has some theoretical knowledge learned at university, but often lacks actual experience and interpersonal skills needed in a work environment,” and advised, “Keep a positive attitude, comply with the deadline, and voluntarily participate in projects to build a reliable reputation.”
On the other hand, some say that this perception is just a stereotype. Jessica Kriegel, chief strategy officer for human resources and labor at Culture Partners, a California management consultant, told the New York Post, “Most of these stereotypes are rooted in the culture of each generation. Generational conflicts are repeated every 20 years.” Not long ago, millennials were treated as “troublemakers,” he said. “It is not generations but values and beliefs that come from experience that make great employees.”
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
