Is Generation Z prepared for the workforce? Yes and No.

As more Gen Z-ers enter the workforce, there will inevitably be strong feelings about their collective attributes, habits, and shortcomings. Fueled with negative statistics, executives may try to bury their heads in the sand and maintain the status quo, or worse, avoid hiring Gen Z altogether.

Here are some unsettling statistics about Generation Z from a recent Intelligent study:

1 in 5 employers have had a recent college graduate bring a parent to a job interview.
58% say recent college graduates are unprepared for the workforce.
Nearly half of employers have had to fire a recent college graduate.

What does this say about Gen Z? Naturally, each generation that enters the workforce will have its own shortcomings and challenges. How can managers use this information to attract, hire, and retain Gen Z workers as this generation grows in numbers?

Here are some positive statistics about Generation Z in the workplace:

In the right environment, they are the “hardest working” generation. They yearn to contribute to an organization with a strong mission and vision and deep, positive culture.
Despite being born in the age of smartphones and the internet, most Gen Zs still prefer in-person communication and collaboration.
Flexible. While they may demand flexibility and work-life balance, they may also be less likely to resist organizational change.
They prefer working for a company that values inclusivity, diversity, and respect at all times.

Armed with this information, managers can appeal to Gen Z’s needs without sacrificing organizational protocol. Here are some simple changes executives can make to appeal to Generation Z workers:

Flexible work schedules including hybrid and remote options
Wellness programs
Team environments and open spaces for fostering collaboration
Make diversity & inclusion a priority

The oldest members of Generation Z are now 26 years old, so we are just beginning to see the impact of their contributions. Gen Z employees can be manageable once employers know and adapt to their habits and characteristics.

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