A US survey of 1,000 managers has found 18 per cent of reporting they have considered quitting due to the strain of managing Gen Z workers. The survey, from Intelligent.com, a platform dedicated to helping young professionals navigate the future of work, highlights specific challenges in managing Gen Z employees, including excessive phone use, poor work ethic, and communication issues that impact team cohesion and productivity. Over half of the managers surveyed report increased workload and the need for additional resources to manage Gen Z employees, with many saying these workers require more guidance and attention than previous generations.
The survey found that 51 per cent of managers experience frustration and 44 per cent feel stress in managing Gen Z employees, with issues like workload increase (27 per cent) and productivity declines (20 per cent) among their top concerns. Additionally, 20 per cent feel overwhelmed and 16 per cent report burnout due to the demands of managing this group.
“Part of the frustration comes from a misalignment in expectations,” says Huy Nguyen, Intelligent.com’s chief education and career development advisor. “Gen Z employees often bring strong technical skills but may lack the soft skills that develop through hands-on experience, which many missed out on during the pandemic. Managers may need to adjust their approach, acting more as coaches than traditional supervisors to better support and guide younger workers.”
The majority of managers (65 per cent) have adjusted their management style to better accommodate Gen Z employees. This includes providing more frequent feedback (44 per cent), micromanaging (38 per cent), and allowing more time for tasks (32 per cent). Three-quarters of managers feel that Gen Z requires more time and resources to manage effectively compared to older generations, with 54 per cent having experienced inappropriate communication from Gen Z employees.
Over half of managers (52 per cent) report that Gen Z employees create tension with older generations, primarily due to differences in workplace attitudes, communication styles, and priorities. Additionally, 54 per cent of managers say Gen Z work habits lower team productivity.
Given these challenges, 50 per cent of managers have fired a Gen Z employee, and 27 per cent would avoid hiring Gen Z if possible. Despite this, managers cite filling junior roles, cost-effectiveness, and concerns over ageism as reasons to continue hiring Gen Z.
To view the complete report, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/1-in-5-managers-have-considered-quitting-due-to-stress-of-overseeing-gen-z-employees/
