The Generation Z workforce is bouncing back due to increased hiring of entry-level roles and rebounding job growth in hard hit industries despite a barrage of career challenges over the last few years, CNN reported June 8.
Many working-age members of Gen Z (10-25 years old) had their education disrupted by the pandemic and remote learning. During the pandemic, hiring slowed down, with only half of the class of 2020 holding traditional full time jobs six-months after graduation. A recession is also looming on the horizon, giving the possibility of layoffs.
However, Gen Z workers have entered a more positive workforce than even older peers. Overall hiring rates are up 20 percent from 2020 and employers plan to hire 30 percent more young workers. Healthcare and hospitality are also at the top of the list of industries hiring recent grads.
"Fast-forward two years, and the picture looks much brighter for Gen Z and younger millennials joining the workforce today," said Karin Kimbrough, chief economist for LinkedIn. "Despite recent headwinds like inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions driving economic uncertainty, opportunities still abound for entry-level roles in the U.S."