Suzy Welch uncovered the reason Gen Z seems unhireable: Their workplace values don't match their Gen X and millennial bosses | Fortune

"Employers are hesitant to hire Gen Zers-and it shows in the data. A 2024 study by Intelligent.com of about 1,000 business leaders involved in hiring decisions shows 1 in 6 are hesitant to hire Gen Z, and 75% said some or all of the recent college graduates they hired recently were "unsatisfactory." That's led Gen Z to get the badge of being "unemployable" or "unhireable.""

"Welch developed a class for MBA students about how to find their purpose, she recounted in an op-ed published by The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. She argued finding purpose lies at the intersection of one's values, aptitudes, and "economically viable interests." After observing her Gen Z students, she decided to conduct a study to compare and understand generational values in the workforce."

"Welch, along with her co-researchers, found only 2% of Gen Z students had the same values companies want most in new hires. According to the study, what employers value most are achievement, learning, and "an unbridled desire to work." Instead, Gen Z values "eudemonia," or self-care and wellbeing; "non-sibi," or helping others; and "voice," or authenticity and expression. But they've gotten the reputation of being against going to the office or not liking to engage with their more senior counterparts, which isn't always the case."

A 2024 study of about 1,000 business leaders involved in hiring decisions shows one in six are hesitant to hire Gen Z, and 75% reported some or all recent college graduates they hired were "unsatisfactory." That perception contributed to Gen Z acquiring labels such as "unemployable" or "unhireable." A generational values comparison found only 2% of Gen Z students share the values employers prize most in new hires. Employers prioritize achievement, learning, and an intense desire to work, while Gen Z emphasizes eudemonia (self-care and wellbeing), non-sibi (helping others), and voice (authenticity and expression). Gen Z generally opposes toxic workplaces and seeks boundaries, structure, mentorship, and social connection on their own terms. A Values Bridge assessment was developed to help define and understand individual values.

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