July 2025
The virality of the “Gen Z stare”—which refers to a blank look Gen Zers might give upon being faced with a difficult social situation—is likely a result of millennials pathologizing the younger generation. Some experts believe it could be indicative of the pandemic stunting Gen Z’s in-person soft skills, but it should not be mistaken for disengagement. Communication practice can be folded into onboarding and ongoing professional development activities. (NPR)
Millennial dads want to participate equally in parenting, but ‘masculine’ corporate rhetoric, workplace expectations, and a lack of paternity leave make it difficult. Shifting the norm will require collective change, but managers can help by supporting new fathers with caregiving resources and remote opportunities. (Business Insider)
Close to 500 U.S. universities are teaching “life design,” career competencies developed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which include the topics of mental health and well-being. These career services attempt to align more with Gen Z values like work-life balance and purpose-driven work. Employers can partner with universities to bridge gaps between Gen Z readiness and workplace demands. (The Washington Post)
Gen Z is three times less likely to obtain a full-time position by graduation than previous generations, and only 12% of fresh college graduates have a job already lined up, compared to 40% of their older cohorts at that stage. While the university to career pipeline may be full of kinks, getting on the job ladder—even if it is not the dream job—is a productive starting point and not a life sentence. (Fortune)
Public management experts are warning that Trump’s federal workforce reductions could deter early-career Gen Zers and future generations from pursuing government careers, causing long-term damage to the federal talent pool. Currently, 9% of the federal workforce is under 30 and expected to shrink further. However, 67% of young adults believe that government work can help improve communities, indicating potential for future recruitment. (Government Executive)
Young Gen Zers living in rural areas of the U.S. are largely unprepared to use AI in the workplace, which stems from schools’ lack of AI policies and education, among other factors. As AI becomes a standard tool in many industries, schools should consider implementing or clarifying AI policies to prepare their students for jobs that require such skills. (Gallup)
“VUCA” (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) has caused manager engagement to fall to 27%, three points in one year. That dissatisfaction is trickling down. While just 42% of employees acknowledge their own unhappiness, 63% believe that their coworkers are struggling, suggesting the possibility that individuals underreport their own stress. Offering small, achievable goals and building connections may improve workforce engagement and sense of purpose. (Worklife)