Nearly half of Gen Z workers believe they get better career information from artificial intelligence than their manager, a recent survey says.
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Many Gen Z employees are turning to artificial intelligence and social media for career advice.A lack of managerial support is prompting some young workers to consider quitting their jobs.To retain Gen Z talent, companies should emphasize mentorship and learning in the workplace.
When some Gen Z workers need career advice, they think ChatGPT will offer better guidance than their managers.
That’s according to a new survey conducted by Workplace Intelligence, an industry research agency, and INTOO, a talent development firm. Researchers surveyed 1,600 full-time workers between November and December 2023 about their career advancement experience, with 18% of the total research pool belonging to Gen Z.
Forty-seven percent of Gen Zers surveyed said they’d turn to AI or ChatGPT to get better advice than what their manager offered, while 55% said they would use social media, the survey found. That’s because 62% of Gen Zers said they wish they could talk to their manager more often about career development, but their manager is too busy.
As the fastest-growing employee demographic, Gen Z is reshaping some industry standards. They expect more from their employers than boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials, including stronger mentorship, better benefits, and more learning opportunities.
Per the survey, 44% of Gen Z employees feel unable to grow outside their current roles, and about 40% said they are struggling with their mental health as a result of bad career advice. Lastly, over half of employees feel their employer cares more about their productivity than their growth and well-being.
This lack of support, “could lead to ongoing, increased attrition and diminished engagement” from Gen Z employees in the workplace, the survey report found. In fact, 44% of Gen Z respondents said they are considering quitting their jobs in the next six months.
To retain young talent, employers should invest in mentorship
To feel loyal to their workplaces, the survey said Gen Zers also want to feel their company is invested in them.
Gen Z workers are looking for learning and development, not just money, from their jobs, according to research by The Standard. And, when young workers feel disconnected from their managers, they likely feel disconnected from their employers.
With better learning and mentorship opportunities, 97% of Gen Zers said their job satisfaction and motivation at work would increase, according to the Workplace Intelligence and INTOO survey.
Companies shouldn’t overlook young talent, the survey said. If employers invest resources in Gen Zers, they will bring their more recent education, ingenuity, and enthusiasm to the workplace.
“(Gen Zers) have the greatest potential to share their experiences with others — good and bad,” the survey report said. “By nurturing the long futures ahead of them, you gain the benefits of their connectivity and loyalty.”
Are you a Gen Z worker and willing to share details about your career goals and workplace experience? Contact this reporter at allisonkelly@insider.com.
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