Merely 6% of managers in the UK believe that Gen Z is prepared for the workforce.

      Young employees and their employers have differing perceptions. Almost half (45 percent) of individuals aged 18 to 24 believe they possess the necessary skills to succeed at work. In contrast, only 6 percent of UK managers share this belief, according to the Chartered Management Institute.

      The organization surveyed over 1,000 managers and 514 young individuals for the report, which was released during Youth Employment Week. This comes at a time when AI is transforming the early stages of working life and discussions about employment continue to intensify.

      What managers perceive

      Sixty-one percent of managers feel that younger employees are more likely than older workers to lack resilience, professionalism, and communication skills, as well as to struggle with feedback. Over 90 percent (91 percent) believe that this skills gap adversely affects their team's performance. Only 12 percent think that young hires advance as anticipated.

      When new employees do not succeed or fail to meet probation requirements, managers attribute this to a lack of motivation (40 percent), a lack of resilience (38 percent), poor workplace etiquette (34 percent), and poor time management (32 percent).

      The other side of the issue

      The report does not solely criticize Generation Z; it also highlights the role of their managers. Earlier CMI research indicated that 82 percent of UK managers are "accidental managers," having been promoted without formal training. Consequently, those tasked with mentoring young employees often lack coaching experience themselves.

      Addressing the issue requires mutual effort. Almost 86 percent of young workers desire training for line managers to better assist them in their early careers. Furthermore, 89 percent of managers who received training reported improvements in how they nurture junior staff. Investing in training generally yields positive returns.

      Ambitions are not lacking

      The data counters the stereotype that young people are indifferent. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) aim for management or leadership roles. More than 80 percent (83 percent) believe having a mentor or professional organization would significantly boost their confidence. Additionally, 78 percent feel that their education has focused too much on theory rather than practical skills. However, they are entering a diminishing pool of entry-level positions, as AI-driven companies are already hiring fewer junior staff.

      The significance of the findings

      The timing of these findings heightens their importance. AI is already reducing the number of entry-level job listings, and some experts caution against eliminating the junior tier. “It’s time we start questioning whether workplaces are prepared for young individuals,” stated CMI chief Ann Francke. If companies continue to reduce entry-level opportunities without adequately training managers, the skills gap will only increase. Young talent is ready to engage; based on this evidence, the workplace has not yet adapted.