Recent college graduates and hiring managers are far from being on the same page when it comes to Generation Z’s workforce preparedness.
A new report from TimelyCare reveals that 88% of the Class of 2023 feels prepared to enter the workforce. However, half of all managers and business leaders surveyed by ResumeBuilder say it’s difficult to work with their generation all or most of the time. Instead, they’d rather hire Millennials.
Managers cite GenZers’ lack of technological skills, lack of motivation, inattention and thin skin as their top complaints, and they mentioned employees’ lack of motivation and their proclivity to take offense as the top reasons they fired someone. In fact, 65% say they more commonly need to fire GenZers than employees of other generations.
It’s important to note that nearly eight in 10 (79%) graduating seniors say COVID-19 impacted their workforce preparedness, mental health struggles being the top reason (68%) graduates felt behind the eight ball. For example, The National Library of Medicine believes mental illness can affect students’ motivation, concentration and social interactions, and the Class of 2023 endured the pandemic’s impact throughout their four-year college careers.
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- Prioritize mental health resources: Nine in 10 seniors say mental health resources are a necessity for college students, according to TimelyCare. Even after graduating, 82% affirmed they would continue using mental health resources.
- Develop student interpersonal skills: “As a result of COVID-19 and remote education, GenZers may lack the foundation to be more successful than older generations in entry-level positions,” said Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller. “We know that with remote work and education, communication skills do not develop as well and people tend to work more independently. This generation may need more training when it comes to professional skills.”
- Build on current success at your institutions’ career development centers: Of the nearly nine out of 10 students who feel prepared to enter the workforce, 81% attribute that to career development offices, resources or programs. The top five most cited contributions they made were resume or cover letter help, job sourcing, providing networking opportunities, sharpening interview skills and post-college planning.
“The survey results make clear that COVID’s long shadow continues to impact today’s students as they transition into tomorrow’s employees,” said Jerrod Hinders, Counseling Center Coordinator at Amarillo College, whose students have access to TimelyCare. “It’s critical that both colleges and employers invest in their mental health, basic needs and overall well-being.”
