What Gen Z is Seeking Instead of Career Advice from Their Bosses
In today’s rapidly changing workforce, providing employees with opportunities for growth and career advancement is crucial in building loyalty and engagement. However, a recent survey conducted by career development platform INTOO reveals that many workers, particularly those belonging to Generation Z, are not receiving the support they need from their employers. This lack of guidance has led nearly half of Gen Z employees to trust artificial intelligence (AI) tools more than their bosses when it comes to charting their career paths.
The study, conducted in partnership with research firm Workplace Intelligence, sheds light on the struggles faced by employees across all age groups in progressing in their careers due to the lack of support from their employers. Shockingly, 59% of employees reported that their company rarely or never helps them explore growth opportunities outside of their current department. Additionally, 46% of workers stated that their managers do not know how to assist them with their career development.
However, it is the youngest generation of workers, Gen Z, who feel the most lost when it comes to career advancement. Despite being the demographic that stands to benefit the most from learning and career development opportunities, 62% of Gen Z workers expressed a desire to have more frequent conversations with their managers about their careers. Unfortunately, many bosses are too busy to provide the guidance that these young employees seek.
What sets Gen Z apart from previous generations is their reliance on digital platforms for career advice. The survey revealed that nearly half of Gen Z workers trust AI tools like ChatGPT over their managers when it comes to receiving career guidance. This preference for digital platforms highlights a larger issue – a craving for guidance that is not being fulfilled by traditional workplace structures. Gen Z employees want dynamic and responsive conversations about their careers, similar to the technology they have grown up with.
Mira Greenland, Chief Revenue Officer of INTOO, acknowledges the challenge that this gap presents for organizations. She emphasizes that companies must adapt to attract and retain this new wave of talent. In addition to offering more frequent and meaningful career development discussions, organizations need to rethink their approach to mentorship and support. The traditional methods of career guidance are no longer sufficient for Gen Z workers who are accustomed to the speed and innovation of technology.
The study also sought the perspective of human resources leaders, who painted a concerning picture of worker retention in the near future. According to their predictions, 30% of employees across all age groups and a staggering 44% of Gen Z employees are likely to quit within the next six months due to a lack of support for their career development.
In conclusion, the survey conducted by INTOO highlights the pressing need for employers to provide meaningful career development opportunities and guidance to their employees, especially those belonging to Generation Z. The reliance of Gen Z workers on AI tools for career advice underscores the need for organizations to adapt and offer dynamic conversations about career paths. Failure to address these concerns could result in high employee attrition rates and a loss of valuable talent for businesses in the future.
