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Why entry-level workers are more hopeful than their bosses
For years, we've operated under the assumption that confidence in the workplace grows with seniority—that the longer you're in the game, the more secure you become. Yet, a fascinating emotional shift is underway, one I've observed in countless conversations with professionals across the spectrum.New data from Glassdoor reveals a quiet but significant trend: confidence is actually increasing among early and mid-career employees, rising 1. 9 and 2.3 points respectively, while many senior leaders are grappling with a growing sense of doubt. This isn't just a statistical blip; it's a fundamental realignment of the workplace psyche.The younger generation, particularly Gen Z, has been forged in the fire of perpetual uncertainty. They graduated into disrupted schools, navigated unpredictable labor markets, and consumed news cycles dominated by instability, making adaptation their default mode.Rather than viewing constant change as a threat, they've learned to see it as the baseline environment, something to work within rather than fight against. I've spoken with dozens of twenty-somethings who've built what they call 'portfolio careers'—mosaics of traditional employment, skill-building courses, networking communities, and side projects that diversify not just their income but their very sense of purpose.This creates a psychological safety net: when your career has multiple anchors, no single wave can capsize your ship. They're redefining success too, prioritizing agency and influence over how, when, and why they work above simply climbing a corporate ladder.Meanwhile, the view from the corner office grows increasingly strained. Executive confidence has been trending downward, with board members and C-suite leaders themselves expressing doubts about their teams' abilities to manage through technological disruptions and conflicting stakeholder demands.The exhaustion is palpable in my interviews—one seasoned VP described leadership today as 'trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while riding a rollercoaster. ' They're caught between the pros and cons of remote versus hybrid work, international economic instability, persistent retention challenges, and the relentless pace of AI advancement.Decision fatigue has become a constant companion, eroding their sense of control. What's particularly revealing is how both groups reflect the same underlying reality: the workplace is transforming faster than our institutions can adjust.For younger employees, this change still feels full of possibility—a blank canvas for creating new ways of working. For leaders, it often feels like exhaustion—the weight of being both empathetic and decisive in a landscape with no clear right answers. Understanding this emotional dichotomy isn't just academic; it's essential for rebuilding trust and designing organizations where both experience and fresh perspectives can thrive together.
#lead focus news
#workplace confidence
#generational shift
#employee sentiment
#leadership challenges
#hybrid work
#Gen Z
#executive burnout
