Gen Z struggling with team culture and networking

Generation Z workers are struggling with team culture and networking, according to a Robert Half report. The human resources consulting firm surveyed 835 professionals to examine how priorities differ and align across the multigenerational workforce.

Gen Z is the most likely cohort to say that the biggest challenge at the start of their career was difficulty adapting to the company and team culture (38%). Likewise, they’re also the generation least likely to have strong personal relationships with colleagues (29%).

Gen Z is the first generation raised entirely in the jaws of internet culture and the brain-warping effects of the constant IV drip of social media. A generation forged by broccoli-head haircuts, TikTok influencer brainrot, and answers exclusively sourced from ChatGPT.

The Greatest Generation also had trouble connecting with the alien counter-culture values of their boomer offspring, but now the generational gap seems wider than ever, fr fr, no cap.

Gen Z is also facing challenges in networking, with 53% saying that finding new connections in their biggest barrier in networking, compared to 44% for millennials, 42% for Gen X, and 29% for boomers. They are also the least likely to report that personal referrals have helped advance their careers (although this may only reflect that they’ve had less time in the workforce than other generations).

The Robert Half report notes that Gen Z professionals value in-person work and growth. Nearly 6 in 10 Gen Z workers (59%) place an increased value on in-office time and the ability to collaborate in person, second after boomers (63%) and above millennials (52%) and Gen Xers (51%).

Highlighting their focus on growth and impact, according to Robert Half, Gen Z is the cohort most interested in promotions that require people management (39%) as well as promotions that don’t require people management (50%).