translated from Spanish: Professional impact: Generation Z has been most affected when looking for work in pandemic

In the wake of Covid-19 thousands of jobs had to be abandoned by their workers, however, new professionals are added to the labor incorporation, that is, young people between 22 and 25 years old. A generation that, due to the current situation, is most affected.
A study of 32,000 people in 17 countries, by ADP® Research Institute, People at Work 2021: A Global Workforce View, revealed that out of every five young people aged 18 to 24 (78%), said their professional lives had been affected, compared to 64% of workers of all ages who said the same as a whole.
The study showed that 39% of respondents said they had lost their job, been laid off or had been temporarily laid off by their company, compared to 28% of workers of all ages said the same.
According to Luiz Bernabé, general manager of ADP in Chile, Argentina and Peru, he explains that four out of five young people (78%) have had their professional lives affected and two out of five (39%) he claims to have lost his job or suffered suspension from work. In Chile, that number is 37%.
“Generation Z is entering the workforce, in a context where education and prospects have been affected, but also where there are new ideas and perspectives that could change the future of work. The pandemic has caused 85% of this generation to make changes or plan changes in their lifestyles, where 15% of them are actively trying to enter a new industry that they consider more suitable for the future,” says Bernábé.
According to Camila Espinosa, labor psychologist at Gudcompany and director of People and Senior Consultant, she points out that, according to other problems that occur in this situation, is that in different markets, young people will have more or less difficulties to be employed.
“Also, the difficulty is going to vary by industry. For example, in the Tech industry, where the demand for talent is high, and new generations have skills that are not so easily found in other segments of workers, the impact on employability has probably been less,” he adds.
What problems do young people face in the workplace?
Luiz Bernabé explains that, among the areas that were most affected for young Chileans in their job searches were the area of tourism and gastronomy, “With the confinement and reduced capacity, it has become difficult and even almost impossible, to develop this activity and their respective practices. While those careers that have undoubtedly been strengthened in this pandemic, have been those related to the IT area and digitalization, “he says.
Barnabas explains that Generation Z is also the one that has had to be more agile to adapt to this recession, so 36% of these have had to change their role or have assumed a new one. “Despite the challenges of Covid-19, for some this has been the opportunity to develop new skills or new career paths that give them satisfaction or where they can develop their potential.”
Another factor that the labor psychologist points to in the face of this fact is that companies have also decreased their equipment as a measure to reduce costs and resist the economic impact of the pandemic. “In this way, many times the first positions they suffer when making separations are the least strategic positions, and at the same time there is less job offer for those who are looking for work for the first time, “explains Camila Espinosa.
Finally, the expert relates that “Generation Z is a generation that has a different way of approaching work, expectations regarding organizations, and values that mobilize them that are very different from what most companies or institutions can offer. There is clearly a gap, and this may be making the process of incorporation, adaptation and especially job stability in this segment difficult, “says the expert.

Original source in Spanish