Would You Rather Hire a Robot or a Recent Grad?

Copper State of Mind: public relations, media, and marketing in Arizona

Abbie and Adrian discuss the perspectives of recent college graduates and the unique challenges they face in today's job market. In an era where technology has rendered remote work more accessible, new grads are asking critical questions about workplace culture and the boundaries of work-life balance.

Abbie shares her thoughts on the relevance of working "9 to 5" (and sings a little Dolly Parton in the process). Are outdated workplace norms ready to accommodate a generation that thrives in hybrid environments? Are organizations that refuse to adapt at risk of losing potential talent?

We discuss the challenges employers face in bridging the generational divide and the impact of remote work on skills development. While we're not sure of the "right" answer, we conclude that advocating for more flexible, balanced, and inclusive work practices will foster richer workplace cultures in the future.

Read the transcript and notes for this episode on our website.

Key Takeaways

• The traditional 9-to-5 work model is becoming increasingly obsolete as recent graduates demand more flexible working environments.
• Boundaries, work-life balance, and the role of technology have become critical topics for new professionals entering the job market.
• There is a noticeable divide in how different generations perceive the evolving workplace, with significant implications for hiring practices.
• Hiring managers increasingly say they'd prefer AI / automation over hiring recent graduates, indicating a disconnect in expectations.
• The future of work may not center around a physical office space, requiring a shift in perspective for employers.
• Companies may miss out on significant talent by adhering strictly to traditional workplace expectations instead of considering a hybrid approach.

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Need to hire a PR firm?

We demystify the process and give you some helpful advice in Episode 19: "How to Hire a Public Relations Agency in Arizona: Insider Tips for Executives and Marketing Directors."

Credits

Copper State of Mind, hosted by Abbie Fink and Dr. Adrian McIntyre, is a project of HMA Public Relations, a full-service public relations and marketing communications firm in Phoenix.

The show is recorded and produced by the team at Speed of Story, a B2B communications firm, and distributed by PHX.fm, the leading independent B2B podcast network in Arizona.

If you like this podcast, you might also enjoy PRGN Presents, featuring conversations about PR, marketing, and communications with members of the Public Relations Global Network, "the world’s local public relations agency.”