Featured Image Credit: Getty stock images
Topics: Gen Z, Jobs, Social Media, Science
Britt Jones
Recent research has found that Gen Z’s introduction to the workplace has been less than satisfactory.
Gen Z, the latest to join offices all over the world, have had quite the reputation since starting their careers.
From being unenthusiastic, to refusing to engage in hustle culture - it seems like they’re refusing to take the route many others before them did.
But now, a study has shown that they’ve been doing something very different indeed, and it’s landed them being labelled as ‘pathetic’.
Advert
If you’re under age 27, this is probably data about your age group.
A report revealed that a lot of Gen Zers been backup when it comes to applying to jobs, and people are debating the topic online.
According to the study authors for ResumeTemplates: “Over three-quarters of Gen Zers (77%) say they have brought a parent to a job interview when they were job searching.”
Advert
It went on to claim that 79 per cent of the workers admitted that their parents will continue to communicate with managers on their behalf even after securing the role.
Whether it’s asking for promotions, pay increases or days off - parents are stepping in.
The data was gathered by researchers who polled 831 working Zoomers, finding that 44 per cent admitted to bringing their parents to in-person meetings with hopeful bosses.
27 per cent brought their parents along for virtual meetings.
Advert
But 29 per cent admitted to having their parents attend both face-to-face interviews and online meetings too.
If you thought that meant they were just sitting outside of the room or out of view, you’d be wrong.
The data shows that 40 per cent of the Gen Zers asked, said that their parents sat in on the actual interviews, and 30 per cent said their parents even contributed by asking questions.
27 per cent then said their parents helped them to negotiate benefits and pay.
Advert
Online, people have been on either ends of the spectrum about whether Gen Z is on to something.
.jpg)
Mostly, people were appalled that parents were helping their kids out so much and even going to the lengths of siting in on interviews.
One person wrote: “I’m 24. Even when I had my first job in high school, I NEVER had my parents tag along during an interview. Like, come on, guys. Time to grow up.”
Advert
Another wrote from the POV of an employer: “I would never hire a person who had to bring their mother/father/husband/wife!”
Someone else said they’ve seen it with their own eyes, writing: “The amount of parents I’ve seen walk in with their 16yo and, then the parent walks up ask if we’re hiring and asks for resume for their child. While the child stands a few feet behind, they don’t even try to hide? Then they sit together fill out resume…together, and parent returns it .. 8/10 times. So weird.”
A user wasn’t too shocked, stating: “Somehow this isn’t so shocking. I can’t believe this is our reality.”
Someone wrote: “We just had to learn how to do it ourselves no one taught us these things in school.”
Finally, someone asked that they catch a break, writing: “I mean, these kids went to High School on an IPad because their government locked them down for years, give em some grace lol.”
As for the researchers, they themselves believe it’s gone too far.
“I support parents helping with resumes, offering professional insights, or reviewing performance evaluations,” said Julia Toothacre, Chief Career Strategist for ResumeTemplates, in a statement.
“Parents can be supportive behind the scenes, but they shouldn’t participate directly,” she added. “It not only undermines the child’s credibility [with managers and co-workers], but also risks stunting their professional growth and ability to navigate challenging situations.”
“Early-career professionals need to develop the confidence and skills to navigate workplace conversations independently.”