Suzy Welch, a professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, highlights a significant disconnect between the values of Generation Z and the expectations of hiring managers. Her research, which includes data from 70,000 individuals through a tool called the Values Bridge, indicates that only 2% of Gen Z members hold the top three values most desired by companies: achievement, learning, and a strong desire to work. In contrast, Gen Z's top values include eudaimonia (self-care and flourishing), voice (authentic self-expression), and helping others. Welch's findings suggest a potential explanation for the higher unemployment rate among younger workers compared to the national average, though she notes that structural reasons for hiring challenges also exist.
Welch's study, detailed in a Wall Street Journal article, found that while older generations often prioritize achievement and affluence, Gen Z places self-care as their primary value, viewing the traditional bargain of postponing happiness for career advancement as outdated. They observed previous generations making such deals with employers and are not convinced that the payoff will materialize, especially with the rise of AI. This leads to a reluctance to suppress their personal values for work, with 98% of Gen Z differing significantly from employer expectations.
Furthermore, Welch challenges the conventional advice to "follow your passion," calling it "dumb advice" without the necessary talent or attitude to convert a passion into a viable career. She emphasizes that many who preach this mantra have already achieved success, and it can be deeply misleading for aspiring professionals. Welch provides career guidance for all ages, discussing major trends, when to pivot careers, and how to maintain relevance in a dynamic job market, as featured in her appearances on TODAY.
