A recent survey sheds light on the growing mismatch between employer expectations and young workers’ skills and values.
- 72% of employers have observed a shift in young people’s workplace values and priorities over the past three years.
- 51% of employers attribute this shift to a lack of work experience, exacerbated by the pandemic.
- Many organizations fail to implement specific initiatives for young talent, intensifying the skills gap.
- The demand for flexible working conditions and wellbeing support among young workers continues to rise.
The current workplace environment is witnessing an alarming mismatch between the expectations of employers and the skills and values of young workers aged 16-24. According to a recent survey by The Open University, 72% of employers have noted a significant change in the values and priorities of young employees in the past three years. This shift is largely attributed to the lack of work experience during the pandemic, as acknowledged by 51% of the respondents.
Employers face challenges not only in recruiting young employees but also in retaining them. Nearly half of the employers (46%) find it difficult to recruit, while a slight majority (53%) struggle with retention. A concerning 54% of organizations have not developed specific initiatives or skills programs to accommodate the unique needs of employees under 25, which is aggravating the skills shortage.
In the past three years, 58% of organizational leaders have reported a mismatch between expected skill levels and those possessed by young workers. Specifically, there is a noticeable decline in essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. Additionally, 55% noticed a shortfall in technical skills. These gaps underline the necessity for enhanced preparation for the workforce, which comprises 20% of today’s young generation.
The pandemic’s impact has been profound, affecting young people’s social and work interaction opportunities, as 44% of leaders indicated, and limiting their chances to work and learn in a collaborative environment, as noted by 31% of leaders. These factors have contributed to the perceived skills gap by restricting their exposure to comprehensive work experiences.
Young workers have demonstrated changing workplace priorities over recent years, requesting benefits such as flexible working (47%), increased salary considerations (46%), and hybrid work opportunities (42%). Additionally, wellbeing support and mentoring or shadowing opportunities are being sought after, at rates of 24% respectively, indicating a shift towards a more supportive and adaptable work environment.
The inclination towards mental wellbeing and job satisfaction among young workers is evident. Organizations are encouraged to consider strategies, such as flexible learning and development programs, to enhance their employees’ overall morale and adaptability. This approach is not only beneficial for the employees but also aligns with the evolving expectations of younger generations in the workforce.
The top learning and development opportunities desired by young workers include short certification courses (31%), mentoring or coaching (30%), and online informal courses (29%). Vocational qualifications (25%) and apprenticeships (24%) are also in demand, reflecting a preference for varied and flexible learning paths.
To address these challenges, The Open University is organizing an event titled ‘Elevate Equity: Harnessing Young Talent’ with discussions focusing on attracting and nurturing young talent. The event aims to provide insights into understanding the career expectations and values of Generation Z, while offering practical advice to manage challenges related to hybrid working environments.
In conclusion, bridging the skills and values gap requires concerted efforts from both employers and young workers to adapt and thrive in a post-pandemic workplace.
