Gen Z professionals are facing rampant layoffs across all industries. It seems that many recent graduates are facing challenges in transitioning from school to the workplace. Some experts believe that colleges are failing to prepare students for a work environment. Others think Gen Z has outsized expectations around flexibility, workload, and compensation. No matter the reasons, if you’re a Gen Z employee, you likely want to excel. These tips can help you navigate the professional workplace and meet employer expectations.
1. Manage Your Expectations
Examining your beliefs and thoughts about what employment should be is a good place to start. To put it bluntly, many Gen Z workers expect too much from a job, whether it’s finding a fully remote position or expecting every job to be thrilling. It’s important to consider that each job throughout your career will be a learning experience—and likely a compromise. It’s true that you should research a company’s culture before you accept a position, but you also should be prepared to “pay your dues” and work your way up the career ladder. Learn to balance your personal needs with the reality of the workplace—like working in the office at least a few days each week—and try to understand your employer’s goals and how your position impacts the bottom line.
2. Learn Workplace Etiquette and Habits
Because of the pandemic, many Gen Zers were taking college classes remotely and hearing about remote work opportunities often. While remote work has some amazing benefits for employees, it also can hinder collaboration and prevent you from learning what is acceptable in a work environment. Come to the office with adaptability in mind. Learn your company’s expectations for:
- Etiquette;
- Punctuality;
- Absenteeism;
- Break times;
- Attire;
- Teamwork; and
- Productivity.
Learning to behave appropriately with regard to the workplace is essential to keeping your job!
3. Gain Practical Experience
It can be discouraging to start your first day of work at your very first job and realize you don’t know what you’re doing! But everyone starts somewhere, and even if you have no prior experience, your career journey can get started. You can even start during college! If you have trouble finding a full-time job after graduation, you can pursue internships, volunteer, or take contract work. This not only demonstrates readiness for real-world challenges but also will help you get acclimated to a business environment.
4. Sharpen Your Soft Skills
Soft skills are the non-technical capabilities that make up your business acumen, or understanding of the workplace. Employers value skills like:
- Strong communication (both written and oral);
- Problem-solving;
- Organizational abilities;
- Emotional intelligence;
- Attention to detail;
- Time management; and
- Professionalism.
To grow in these areas, research professional development tips or invest in specific courses.
5. Make a Plan
No job is forever. As mentioned above, each job should be a learning experience—and then you move on to your next step. Knowing what motivates you and what your goals are helps keep you focused on the big picture of your career journey. From different industries and roles to different types of employment, the workforce can be quite confusing. Look for resources to help guide you, whether it’s joining a professional group, finding a mentor, or hiring a career coach.
Hang in There
Whether you’ve experienced a layoff, been fired, or are thinking about leaving your job, navigating the workforce can be a shock when you’re used to the comforts of higher education. By focusing on your end goal and taking these tips to heart, you’ll have a smoother transition into the professional world and thrive in your long-term career.