In India, an applicant with a first-degree LinkedIn connection at a company is nearly 8.5 times more likely to be hired than one without, yet 83% of Gen Z professionals hesitate to network, according to openthemagazine and The Economic Times. This widespread reluctance among young professionals creates a significant barrier to career growth in a connection-driven economy.
Indian Gen Z professionals recognize the importance of professional relationships, but a vast majority hesitate to interact or lack the skills to build meaningful connections. This tension between awareness and action hinders career progress.
Companies and educational institutions must bridge this critical skill gap. Otherwise, Indian Gen Z will continue to face significant disadvantages in a competitive job market, potentially exacerbating existing hiring biases.
The Paradox: Understanding Importance, Lacking Execution
- 79% of Indian Gen Z professionals believe professional relationships are important, according to The Economic Times.
- Despite this, 52% are unsure how to begin building connections, and 53% struggle to turn contacts into meaningful relationships, as reported by India Today and The Economic Times.
This disconnect means theoretical knowledge of networking's value rarely translates into practical skill or application.
Behind the Hesitation: Fear and Lack of Guidance
Fear of being judged stands as the biggest barrier for 44% of Gen Z professionals, according to The Economic Times. This emotional hurdle often prevents initial outreach.
Crucially, nearly three in five Indian Gen Z professionals (59%) reported no one had clearly shown them how to build professional relationships, also cited by The Economic Times. This absence of direct instruction leaves many without a clear roadmap for forming career-boosting connections. The combination of social anxiety and insufficient mentorship actively undermines their career prospects.
