As these email signatures illustrate, Gen Z does stand out in the workforce. In April, ResumeBuilder.com surveyed 1,344 managers and business leaders and discovered that 74% of them believe that this generation is more difficult to work with than others.
Out of those who feel this way:
- 49% say it’s difficult to work with Gen Z all or most of the time;
- Most prefer to work with Millennials;
- The top reasons they feel Gen Z is difficult to work with are the lack of technological skills, effort, and motivation;
- 65% say they more commonly need to fire Gen Zers than employees of other generations;
- 12% have fired a Gen Zer less than one week after their start date
- Being too easily offended is a top reason Gen Zers get fired.
But according to FlexJobs’ 2023 Generations at Work Report, 73% of Gen Z workers feel more optimistic about their career prospects today than they did at this time last year.
(Comparatively lower, only 43% of millennials and 31% of Gen Xers said the same.)
The survey also found that:
- 66% of Gen Z think the job market is better for job seekers today compared to this time last year (only 34% of millennials and 28% of Gen Xers share this positive sentiment);
- 54% of Gen Z said they think it is easier to get a remote job now compared to this time last year (just 24% of millennials and 16% of Gen Xers said the same);
- Gen Z said that having a flexible schedule (42%) was the most important factor to them in a job, edging out salary (41%);
- Only 11% of Gen Z are working remotely full time, compared to 27% of millennials and 42% of Gen X.
When it comes to typing on their keyboard, Gen Z isn't just witty. These employees are also fast with it. 90% of the cohort said they typically check email, Slack, or other work communications on the weekend (68% of millennials and 58% of Gen X do the same).
FlexJobs told Bored Panda in an email statement that workers across generations struggle with similar challenges, particularly excessive workloads, and ambiguity around job roles and expectations.
Gen Z, for example, has a problem with:
- Unrealistic expectations from the boss (26%);
- Lack of knowledge to complete tasks (23%);
- Excessive workload (23%);
- Ambiguity around job role and expectations (22%);
- Lack of direction to complete tasks (21%);
- Job security (20%).
