Young people feel unprepared for office politics

Office politics is the factor young people feel least prepared for when starting their first job, with 54% of 16- to 25-year-olds saying that they were not prepared or informed about politics in the workplace.

With young Millennials entering the workforce through apprentice schemes, which are now offered by three-quarters of employers, the research suggests that they may find it harder to express themselves in the workplace, leading to feeling isolated and unsupported - according to a survey led by the Co-operative Group.

However, 69% said they were informed about how to communicate with their bosses. Young people also revealed their motivation to learn; with 76% prepared for the hours they need to put in for the job, 59% informed about career development opportunities, and 77% believing that they have time management skills required to meet demands set by employers. 

Julian Sykes, Director of Organisational Effectiveness at the Co-op, suggests that changes to culture and process may help young people overcome the barrier of office politics: “It is vital business creates a positive working environment for young people. Education, training and the desire to do well are top of the list when it comes to Generation Y succeeding in the workplace.