Young workers are often labeled as lazy, entitled, and unmotivated, but these stereotypes are not new and have been applied to each generation as they enter the workforce. This kind of generational bias, which is largely unfounded, can have tangible effects, particularly in hiring practices, as managers may fall back on clichés when evaluating candidates.
Julia Toothacre, chief career strategist at ResumeTemplates.com, reports that some managers take issue with the work ethic, quality, accountability, and communication skills of younger employees. However, she suggests that these issues can often be addressed by providing mentorship and training, especially since the pandemic disrupted traditional pathways for gaining experience, such as in-person internships and office work.
Thomas Roulet, a Cambridge University professor, contends that younger workers are not lazier than their predecessors and that their core motivations are similar to previous generations: they seek growth, purpose, and work-life balance. Likewise, Jon Veasey-Deters from Seramount emphasizes that both new and seasoned workers share common goals, such as earning a decent salary and making a meaningful impact.
Despite these consistent motivations, challenges remain, especially for younger workers who have reported significant declines in opportunities for learning and engagement since 2020. The pandemic has reshaped many workers' perceptions of their jobs and priorities, with younger workers often prioritizing mental health and well-being over work if they feel undervalued or mistreated.
Contrary to some stereotypes, many young workers are eager to return to the office, seeking flexibility in their work-life arrangements, a sentiment shared by older workers too. To bridge potential gaps in skills and expectations, training programs focusing on soft skills — such as email etiquette, effective communication, and professional dressing — are crucial for young workers. These programs are beneficial not just for young workers but older employees as well.
Given the current job market, investing in workforce development through mentorship and training programs is vital as swapping jobs has become more challenging. Furthermore, as artificial intelligence becomes more integral, ongoing education will be essential for workers to navigate these emerging technologies.
The battle over generational stereotypes is unlikely to end soon; it's a cycle that repeats with each new generation entering the workforce. As Julia Toothacre notes, this is simply the turn of Gen Z.