Shift shock happens when a new employee's expectations for their job differ significantly from their experience after starting work.

Many Gen Z and Millennials are leaving their jobs due to subsequent feelings of regret, which, according to Kathryn Minshew, founder and former CEO of The Muse, prompt them to seek employment elsewhere.

What Is Shift Shock?

Shift shock occurs when you start a new job and soon regret your decision. It's similar to being misled about a good you purchased and realizing it's not what you expected.

According to Matthew Warzel, president of MJW Careers LLC, Shift shock is when employees feel disoriented and stressed due to major changes in their work environment, like a new role, team, or organizational structure.

When people find that the job, team, or company they were told about isn't what they experience, they're more likely to feel disengaged, frustrated, and more likely to leave. Research by The Muse found that despite preferring to stay in a job, 75% of Millennial and Gen Z workers were willing to quit within the first six months.

Factors Triggering Shift Shock

The primary cause of shift shock is the lack of transparency in job descriptions and company culture. Recruiters often highlight the positives of a job while minimizing the negatives, which can result in candidates having different expectations about working for organizations than their job experience.

Other contributing factors to shift shock include disrespectful behavior from managers, lack of inclusion, unethical practices, and a cutthroat work environment. According to research by The Muse, nearly 80% of Gen Z and Millennial employees reported experiencing a toxic workplace at some point in their careers.

What Are the Possible Results of A Shift Shock?

When employees experience shift shock, they might leave their jobs soon after starting, switch jobs frequently, or even become boomerang employees who quit and then return to the same position or company. Kopyar explained that a gap between a job's description and reality can leave employees feeling cynical, misled, and like their time was wasted. This contributes to high turnover rates for employers.

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Should You Change Jobs Immediately if You Feel Shift Shocked?

You may feel tempted to change quickly if you realize you're experiencing shift shock. However, rushing to quit your new job isn't always the best approach.

Instead of quickly leaving, you can address shift shock by taking proactive steps. Thoumyre suggested openly communicating with your manager and HR about your concerns and seeking support. You can also ask for training and development resources to help you adjust to your new role. Consider requesting a mentor to guide you through the transition. Lastly, embrace adaptability to navigate changes more effectively.

How to Avoid Shift Shocks?

To prevent shift shock, Warzel advised seeking information about upcoming changes, staying in touch with supervisors, and actively participating in professional development to build resilience.

Before accepting a new job, Kopyar thinks it's essential for potential employees and employers to have open and honest conversations about various job aspects, such as performance, pay, company culture, and work-life balance. This honesty establishes trust, improves understanding, and significantly reduces shift shock.

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