Why Gen Z Workers Feel Lost—and How Companies Can Fix It
Younger workers are struggling in the workplace, with many feeling unprepared after missing key social and professional growth during the pandemic. Research shows Gen Z employees now expect more structured, gamified feedback—similar to what they experienced in LinkedIn Learning. Yet managers find this group the hardest to engage, with nearly two-thirds admitting they struggle to motivate them.
The challenges stem from a gap in development opportunities. Many Gen Z workers entered the workforce remotely, missing out on in-person mentoring and networking. As a result, they often feel out of their depth in professional settings.
Experts suggest companies should rethink traditional meetings. Instead of one-sided presentations, interactive tools could encourage discussion and collaboration. This shift would not only boost engagement but also help younger employees feel more involved. Another proposed solution is reverse mentoring. By pairing Gen Z employees with senior staff, businesses can tap into their digital skills while giving younger workers a sense of leadership. Psychological safety is also key—both leaders and junior staff need to feel they belong and can speak openly. Training for managers remains a weak spot. Many lack the tools to re-engage their teams, leading to a cycle of disengagement. Companies are urged to invest in bite-sized, on-demand learning with real-time feedback to support continuous development. Time saved by new technologies should go back into learning and culture-building. This approach could help future-proof businesses while keeping talent engaged. Recent data from Kahoot! reveals a split among leaders: nearly half feel fully engaged, but a third report burnout.
Without targeted support, Gen Z employees may continue to struggle in the workplace. Companies that adopt interactive meetings, reverse mentoring, and micro-learning could see better retention and a stronger culture. The focus must now shift to practical steps that bridge the gap between expectations and reality.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Sleep Maxxing Trends and Tips: New Zealanders Seek Better Rest
- Over 1.7M in Baden-Württemberg at Poverty Risk, Emmendingen's Housing Crisis Urgent
- Life Expectancy Soars, But Youth Suicide and Substance Abuse Pose Concern
