Gen Z employees say ChatGPT is giving better career advice than bosses

When it comes to career guidance and development, many employees feel that their managers have dropped the ball. Gen Z employees are feeling especially frustrated: 47% say they get better career advice from ChatGPT than from their human bosses, and 44% expect to quit within six months, according to a recent survey from INTOO and the Workplace Intelligence research firm.

“Employee satisfaction and loyalty is tied to the support and investment that companies offer to their employees, and even a competitive salary can’t overcome that hurdle,” said Mira Greenland, chief revenue officer at INTOO, a career development and outplacement company.

Career development does not always have to be a major undertaking, Greenland said. Something as simple as a manager recommending a favorite podcast or Slack channel with relevant content for employee growth can make a favorable impression.  

Before they can help their team members, Greenland said that companies must first ensure that managers possess their own developed skills. Investing in workshops or training sessions to polish their communication skills, accessing courses through online education platforms including Coursera, Udemy and edX, or bringing in external coaches can make a big difference.

Managers should schedule regular one-on-one career development sessions with employees at least every quarter. “The employee feels seen and cared for, and the leader builds a deeper connection with their employee,” Greenland said.

Greenland recommends being transparent with workers when discussing career opportunities. Once an employee identifies what they want for their career, managers can try to find the best way to help them along the path. It might be a lateral move, a promotion or attendance at a workshop to refine their skills.

Equally important is to be upfront if a desired opportunity does not exist at the moment. The news might not be what an employee hopes for, but they’ll feel respected because their wishes were heard and…