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

      Young employees and their supervisors have differing perspectives. Nearly half of those aged 18 to 24, specifically 45 percent, feel that they have the necessary skills to thrive in the workplace. Conversely, only 6 percent of managers in the UK share this belief, as reported by the Chartered Management Institute.

      The organization surveyed over 1,000 managers and 514 young individuals for this report, which was released during Youth Employment Week. The findings come at a time when artificial intelligence is transforming the early stages of careers and the broader conversation about employment is intensifying.

      What managers perceive

      Sixty-one percent of managers believe that younger employees are more likely than those from other age groups to lack resilience, professionalism, and communication abilities, as well as to have difficulty responding to feedback. Over 91 percent of supervisors say that this perceived gap negatively impacts their team’s performance. Only 12 percent report that young recruits advance as expected.

      When new hires do not progress or fail their probationary periods, managers attribute this to a lack of motivation (40 percent), insufficient resilience (38 percent), poor workplace manners (34 percent), and inadequate timekeeping (32 percent).

      The other side of the issue

      The report does not solely address Gen Z; it also critiques their managers. Earlier CMI research revealed that 82 percent of UK managers are “accidental managers,” having been promoted without formal training. Therefore, those tasked with mentoring young employees often lack coaching experience themselves.

      Addressing the issue requires action from both sides. Nearly 86 percent of young workers desire training for line managers to help support them in their early careers. Meanwhile, 89 percent of managers who received training claim it has enhanced their ability to guide junior staff. Investing in training typically yields positive results.

      Ambition is not lacking

      The data counteracts the notion that young people lack ambition. Almost two-thirds (64 percent) aspire to attain management or leadership positions. Additionally, more than 83 percent believe that having a mentor or being associated with a professional organization would significantly boost their confidence. Furthermore, 78 percent feel that their education has focused too much on theory rather than practical skills. However, they face a diminishing number of entry-level positions, as firms that are adept with AI have begun to hire fewer juniors.

      The significance of these findings

      The timing heightens the implications. AI has already reduced the availability of entry-level job postings, and some experts caution that eliminating the junior tier could be misguided. “It’s time we started asking whether work is ready for young people,” stated CMI chief Ann Francke. If companies continue to reduce entry-level opportunities while leaving managers untrained, the skills gap will only expand. The talent is present and eager; the workplace, according to this evidence, has not yet adapted.