When it comes to AI and job security, most Gen Z are caught up in worrying about the future of their own jobs. But some are not so secretly hoping that bosses will be replaced by the new technology.
While wishing for the demise of a manager is nothing new, what’s eye-opening is the reasons why they think the likes of ChatGPT and Gemini would make for a better manager. For one, they ironically think it’d be more human.
Most of the Gen Zers said that AI will be a nicer, fairer, and more neutral boss.
While some think a virtual manager would be a lot smarter than the current human one they have, others predict they’d be able to manipulate AI management easily.
And whether or not, workers are actually destined to report into robots any time soon, nearly 70% of the 2,000 young Americans surveyed are already extra polite to ChatGPT just in case.
But they may be more at risk of losing bright young talent if they don’t start managing like humans.
“Gen Z’s desire to replace their human boss with AI is a red flag for their managers,” Avery Morgan, chief human resources officer at EduBirdie tells Fortune. “This points to burned-out, disengaged leaders failing to meet basic human needs.”
But there’s good news: Brushing up on soft skills may be a double whammy solution to avoid getting replaced by AI and losing Gen Z staff.
“I don’t believe AI can replace professional managers who bring emotional intelligence, empathy, ethical judgment, and creative problem-solving to the table,” Morgan says. “The irony is that the aspects of management that make us most distinctly human are precisely what’s missing when employees prefer machines.”
Morgan’s advise for managers is to create environment where employees feel safe enough to give you feedback—like, that they wish you were a robot—to your face, or at the very least, through anonymous surveys.
“You don’t need to be everyone’s best friend, but you do need to be approachable, transparent, consistent, and ethical,” she says. “Respect personal boundaries, keep conversations professional, and be fair in your decisions. If you make a mistake, own it and apologize.”
For Gen Z, stuck under a toxic or unprofessional manager, Morgan suggests going to HR or a senior leader.
“If your work anxiety is tied to one person and something feels off, it probably is,” she says, adding to factually document any bad behaviour, such as instances of when they’ve crossed personal boundaries.
“Write down dates and details, save emails, messages, or anything else that supports your case,” Morgan adds. “Toxicity often hides behind fake smiles and ‘we’re like family’ claims, but don’t let that keep you stuck.
“If there’s no support in place, leave. No title, salary, or opportunity is worth your mental health.”
