Millennials Unprepared for Workplace Challenges
Initial Concerns
62% of business professionals say the lack of preparedness of recent college graduates for their first job is a problem, and 64% say this is hurting their organization’s productivity.
Ripple Effect
Three in four respondents say this lack of preparedness is contributing to economic problems today.
Tech Assets
78% of non-Millennials believe the advanced tech skills of Millennials will allow them to get ahead as professionals.
Divided Sentiment
89% of Millennials say they have a strong work ethic, but 74% of non-Millennials say this generation lacks the work ethic of older workers.
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
51% of business professionals view Millennials as “dispensable,” concluding that they’ll be gone in a couple years and, therefore, aren’t worth career-development investment.
Minor Concern
Just 19% of these business professionals say hard skills are more important than soft skills, and only 40% say job-specific knowledge is important.
So-So Results
60% of professionals give recent college graduates a C grade or lower on soft skills.
Top Soft Skills Sought by Business Leaders
Integrity: 81%, Professionalism: 75%, Positive attitude: 75%, Oral communications: 71%, Team player capabilities: 71%
Higher Purpose
85% of Millennials say it’s important for them to work for a socially responsible or ethical company.
A Question of Loyalty
55% of Millennials feel loyal to the organization they work for, but 51% don’t expect their company to be loyal to them.
Personality Clash
39% of non-Millennials say they encounter difficulties in relating to this generation, and 35% say they’re difficult to work with.
State of Disconnect
Two-thirds of Millennials say older generations don’t understand them and others their age.
Consensus Agreement
57% of business professionals say Millennials will need to change to conform in the workplace, and 56% of Millennials agree.
