Reshaping the Work Environment: Gen Z Facing Layoffs
For many young people, becoming a part of the workforce means becoming independent and having a chance to move forward in life. However, this year has proven to be hard for new Gen Z workers with a recent wave of layoffs impacting their pockets.
Several major companies are cutting off roles as they restructure their businesses and invest in automation. According to a recent report by the Business Insiders, major corporations such as Amazon, Starbucks, and CNN have announced layoffs due to changes in budgets and integration with AI.
While the layoffs are affecting employees of all ages, Gen Z workers are facing unique challenges. As said in a report by Fortune, many employers are firing Gen Z workers within their first year working on the job.
Managers of these companies often shared concerns about workplace readiness, communication skills, and professionalism, stating those as being the main reasons. This pattern suggests that Gen Z workers are struggling to fit into traditional corporate expectations.
“It’s hard to try to get a job because now places don’t trust Gen Z and think they are immature and can’t function in a work environment. But in my case I got really lucky because I’ve been in this basketball program for a while so I was able to become a coach. If you have connections you can, but if you don’t then it’s definitely a challenge to get a job,” said junior Manuel Toribio.
However, it goes deeper than simply not fitting into expectations. Economic pressure and technological advancements are also to blame. Companies are rapidly turning to AI and other forms of automation to handle tasks that were previously given to entry level employees. With companies trying to streamline their processes, fewer beginner positions are open, which in turn makes it harder for young workers to gain experience for themselves.
But at the same time, it appears that Gen Z’s expectations when it comes to work are different from others. According to Inc., many Gen Z employees say they plan to switch their jobs after about six months. The reason is often pointed toward the lack of growing opportunities, and insufficient mentorship. Many workers feel that they’re undervalued and choose to find another opportunity instead of staying with that job.
The issue of remote work also comes into question. While Gen Z is often believed to be the generation that would prefer remote jobs the most, a report from Axios says otherwise. According to them, many young workers would prefer in-person interaction that allow for mentorship, collaboration, and a clear path to advance in their career.
Despite this, due to the layoffs, there has been a climate of instability when it comes to work which makes it difficult for young pple to make long-term plans. Entry level employees are typically the first to be cut off when companies reorganize. Without a long history or integral part in the company, newer, younger employees are more likely to be cut off. This forces Gen Z workers to constantly prepare for sudden changes.
Some employers argue that performance standards need to remain high because the work environment requires efficiency. However others argue that companies are not investing enough in recruitment and training. That instead of dismissing young workers due to lacking experience or expertise, they should instead provide stronger mentorship programs and clear expectations.
“A lot of entry level jobs now require experience, which doesn’t make sense because people need those jobs to get experience in the first place. Even when people do get those jobs, it can be difficult to grow because some companies don’t invest in training or mentorship anymore,” said junior Rachel Vasco.
Ultimately, the rise in these layoffs highlight the fragile state of the job market. With automation being the goal for most companies, little room is left for people who want to join the workforce. Either companies need to change their management style to help new workers flourish, or new workers must improve on their own to meet these higher expectations.
