Gen Z 'unprofessional', not ready for work, employers are hesitant

In the US, it can be said that recent Gen Z graduates have flooded the job market. These young people are facing fierce competition and are also being sceptical by employers.

There are reasons why companies in the US are hesitant to hire workers in their 20s, including concerns about laziness, unprofessionalism and poor communication skills - Photo: GROUPHEALTH

While Gen Z workers will soon become the main force, new data shows that one in six companies in the US are hesitant to hire workers in their 20s, citing concerns about laziness, unprofessionalism, and poor communication skills.

Unprofessionalism and poor compliance

According to a survey by Intelligent, a career website for young people, 17% of companies do not want to hire workers in their 20s, and three-quarters are dissatisfied with recent graduates. By 2024, up to 60% of companies have fired young employees due to being unprepared or unprofessional. One in seven companies said they may stop hiring new graduates by 2025.

Many employers are quick to fire young employees after they are hired, citing their lack of professionalism and poor adherence to workplace standards. “Many recent college graduates are often ill-prepared to enter the workplace,” said Huy Nguyen, director ofeducation and career development consulting at Intelligent.

He added that while fresh graduates may have theoretical knowledge from university, they often lack practical experience and soft skills. This mismatch can create conflict between young employees and those with more experience.

The survey highlights controversial questions about generational dynamics, workplace expectations, and employers’ flexibility to engage with Gen Z at some point, which means acknowledging that there is a gap between workers of different age groups.

Another reason is that Gen Z workers often reject the corporate world, especially jobs that they consider unimportant. Additionally, young workers may lack understanding of professional standards such as communication, dress, punctuality, and teamwork.

When work is not the center

Raised with a focus on work-life balance, many Gen Z workers see work as a part of their lives, rather than the centerpiece. This challenges traditional expectations of long hours and a willingness to consistently contribute to work.

The recent pandemic has exacerbated these challenges as many graduates have been forced to miss out on important early work experiences such as internships, which has limited their exposure to workplace dynamics and professional conduct.

The survey does not absolve older managers of responsibility, however. Rather than shying away from or dismissing Gen Z workers, the report says companies have a responsibility to help younger workers succeed by supporting them.

Conversely, to overcome current weaknesses, Gen Z job seekers should focus on building soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management.

Internships and part-time jobs are valuable for gaining real-world experience and understanding workplace expectations. Even small roles can provide important insights into the professional environment. Here are some recommendations from this survey.

The Intelligent survey also highlights the importance of work ethic. 54% of employers said they are more likely to hire candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, are adaptable, and are punctual.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gen-z-thieu-chuyen-nghiep-chua-san-sang-cho-cong-viec-nha-tuyen-dung-ngai-20241113222012315.htm