Latest news with #IrinaPichura
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Half of Gen Z ChatGPT users say they view it as a co-worker, survey shows
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. As Generation Z workers embrace artificial intelligence tools in the workplace, more than half said they see ChatGPT as a co-worker or even a friend, according to a May 21 report from Nearly half of Gen Z workers also said they'd rather ask ChatGPT questions than consult their boss, the report found. 'Gen Z entered the workforce at a time when AI tools like ChatGPT were already becoming mainstream,' said Irina Pichura, a career coach with 'They see it not as a threat but as a tool that enhances productivity and even offers real-time support throughout the day.' In a survey of more than 8,600 full-time U.S. workers, 11% said they use ChatGPT regularly, including 21% of Gen Z workers. More than 80% of ChatGPT users said they turn to the tool for work-related tasks, and 66% said they use it to brainstorm or talk through ideas. Beyond that, workers said they use ChatGPT for more casual reasons, including personal conversations (37%), games (24%) and a way to appear busy when they don't have anything to do (14%). About 1 in 5 Gen Z users said they spend at least an hour chatting with or playing games on ChatGPT during the workday. In personal conversations with ChatGPT, workers said they use the tool for advice on tough decisions, including challenges with co-workers, mental health or emotional struggles and relationship issues outside of work. While 86% of Gen Z users see ChatGPT as a helpful work tool, they're more likely than other age groups to describe it as a source of entertainment (36%), a companion (32%) or a therapist (21%). 'Gen Z workers have grown up with instant access to information, so it's no surprise they turn to AI before turning to a manager,' Pichura said. 'For them, ChatGPT offers fast, judgment-free answers, which can feel more efficient and comfortable than approaching a supervisor, especially in remote or high-pressure environments.' Amid increased feelings of stress and isolation at work, work friends could be the answer to burnout, according to a KPMG leader. Employers can encourage connection through project milestone celebrations, social events and non-work-related activities, KPMG found. AI tools can also be part of the solution — by freeing up time for relationship-building in the workplace through mentoring or coaching. At the same time, workers appear to be leaning away from making friends at work, according to a Glassdoor poll. Remote work, higher turnover and layoffs have made it harder to make friends, workers said. Gen Z employees also seem to be more willing to bend the rules to 'get the job done,' according to a report from LRN Corp. Generational gaps in ethics and compliance could lead to unique challenges for companies with multi-generational workforces, the report found, including areas such as AI use at work.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Gen Z Would Rather Ask Chat GPT for Help Than Their Boss
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Gen Z has grown up in an age of new technology. That includes artificial intelligence, which has infiltrated the workplace, from job applications and interviews to even mentorship. According to a new report from 49 percent of Gen Zers say they rely more on Chat GPT for help than their boss. Roughly 47 percent of millennials said the same. Why It Matters The rise of artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT has raised concerns in education and the workplace. While many schools have banned the use of AI on assignments, many companies have moved full speed ahead with AI tools to increase productivity and streamline operations. A close-up of a smartphone displaying the ChatGPT logo on a white screen, with the same ChatGPT logo shown on a laptop screen on February 19, 2025, in Chongqing, China. A close-up of a smartphone displaying the ChatGPT logo on a white screen, with the same ChatGPT logo shown on a laptop screen on February 19, 2025, in Chongqing, To Know Individual employees at work are often experimenting with AI to see if they can improve their efficiency or even just craft an appropriate email correspondence to a colleague. For Gen Z, AI in the workplace may be replacing the conversations they once had with their bosses, as 49 percent say they rely more on Chat GPT for help than their boss, according to That was similar to millennials who said the same, at 47 percent. The survey of 8,647 full-time U.S. workers revealed that across the board, 11 percent of workers used ChatGPT regularly. However, Gen Zers were twice as likely to use the tool at 21 percent. Older generations are much less likely to integrate AI into their workflows, as only 9 percent of Gen X and just 6 percent of baby boomers said they used ChatGPT regularly. Altogether, 40 percent of workers said they rely more on ChatGPT than their boss to answer questions. "Gen Z workers have grown up with instant access to information, so it's no surprise they turn to AI before turning to a manager," Career Coach Irina Pichura said in the report. "For them, ChatGPT offers fast, judgment-free answers, which can feel more efficient and comfortable than approaching a supervisor, especially in remote or high-pressure environments." What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Gen Z sees ChatGPT as a good option and assistant. This is a highly practical option versus asking your boss for the answer. This could also help show initiative in regard to processes allowing you to focus your attention in areas while adding significant time savings." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Over the past two years, we've seen administration at many employers stretched further and further, with many in leadership getting more employees that report to them and fewer hours to assist. While there certainly could be cases of Gen Z taking decision-making into their own hands with AI, the reality probably is they're using it for basic decision-making because their manager is slower to respond to some requests. When you have immediate needs and are looking for solutions that follow your employer's protocols, AI can be a simple and easy way to generate a decision without waiting for long periods of time for your manager to reply." HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek: "Many younger workers today see how speaking up can get you labeled as a difficult employee, how asking too many questions makes you look incompetent, and how managers often don't have the time or emotional intelligence to manage people effectively. AI doesn't condescend—unless you ask it to— and it doesn't micromanage or make you feel stupid for not knowing something. What Happens Next While older generations may view Gen Z's AI use as a lack of work ethic, Driscoll said they often weren't dealing with "toxic bosses in a 24/7 surveillance culture." "Gen Z is just adapting to a system that doesn't prioritize their growth or well-being," Driscoll said. "If managers don't step up—and if companies don't give managers the space and time to step up—relevance and trust will continue to erode." While AI can be a major time saver for all workers, it can also lead to cost savings for business and the end of inefficient meetings, Thompson said. However, Gen Z should be wary of some AI developments happening at businesses. "A huge warning for Gen Z: Businesses are asking Gen Z to program AI for their business," Thompson said, "while Gen Z may not realize they are creating their replacement."
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Over half of hiring managers say recent grads are unprepared for the workforce
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Most hiring managers feel skeptical about the capabilities and professionalism of young workers joining the workforce, with 1 in 6 saying they're reluctant to hire the cohort, according to a May 6 report from More than half of hiring managers said recent graduates were unprepared for the workforce and difficult to manage, while 78% said recent graduates spend too much time on their phones. 'Colleges don't teach students how to behave in the workplace, and there is a lack of transitional support from both universities and employers,' Irina Pichura, career coach, said in a statement. 'Most students graduate with little exposure to professional environments, so when they arrive at their first job, they're often learning basic workplace norms for the first time.' In a survey of 1,000 hiring managers, 8 in 10 said a recent college graduate didn't work out at their company during the past year, 7 in 10 said they put recent hires on performance improvement plans, and 65% said they had to fire a recent graduate. Only 58% said they'd consider hiring from the graduating class of 2025. Among the companies where recent graduates didn't work out, nearly half of hiring managers said the top issue was a lack of motivation or initiative. In addition, they noted a lack of professionalism (39%), excessive phone use (39%), poor time management (38%) and an attitude of indifference (37%). Others also pointed to poor communication skills, difficulty handling feedback and an inability to adapt to company culture. In day-to-day experiences, 87% of managers said recent graduates are often or sometimes on their phones during work hours. Beyond that, 72% said these employees often or sometimes struggle to manage their workload, and 60% said recent graduates turn in assignments late. In terms of skills and qualities that would boost the likelihood of hiring these candidates, managers most often asked for initiative, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, adaptability, openness to feedback, punctuality and strong interpersonal skills. In contrast, few managers said factors like avoiding political talk or having a polished social media presence would influence their decision. Generation Z workers appear to be stressing out managers, with 1 in 4 saying they'd avoid hiring them if they could and nearly 1 in 5 thinking about quitting due to the stress, according to a report from In response, managers are altering their management style to accommodate younger workers that require more time and resources. Managers can help struggling Gen Z employees fit into the workplace, HR experts told HR Dive. A structured onboarding process can help Gen Z workers understand their jobs and expectations, and foster a sense of belonging can build purpose, job satisfaction and well-being, the experts said.
