Networking Gap Among Indian Gen Z Professionals

A new study by LinkedIn has found that 83 per cent of Gen Z professionals in India hesitate to network with people who could help their careers. The research, reported by Deccan Chronicle and India Today, reveals a significant gap between recognising the value of professional relationships and acting on it.

According to the findings, 79 per cent of Indian Gen Z professionals understand the importance of professional relationships, yet more than half (52 per cent) do not know how to begin building those connections. Additionally, 53 per cent struggle to turn professional contacts into meaningful relationships.

Fears and Barriers

The hesitation appears to be driven by specific concerns. LinkedIn's research found that 44 per cent of Gen Z professionals fear being judged, 39 per cent worry about bothering people, and 37 per cent are concerned about sounding inauthentic when reaching out.

For many, the problem is not a lack of interest but a lack of guidance. Nearly three in five (59 per cent) of Gen Z Indians say nobody has clearly shown them how to build professional relationships. This lack of direction makes it harder to know who to approach, when to reach out, and what to say.

The Stakes of Networking

The research underscores the tangible benefits of networking. LinkedIn's data shows that Indian job applicants with an inside connection are nearly 8.5 times more likely to get hired than those without one. Globally, LinkedIn members are almost three times as likely to receive connection requests if they have interacted with posts from people in their network.

Nearly one-third (30 per cent) of Gen Z respondents said they had found their next role through their professional communities online.

Willingness of Older Generations

The research also suggests that Gen Z may be underestimating how willing others are to help. While many worry about reaching out, the majority of Millennials (92 per cent) and Gen X professionals (95 per cent) say they would offer advice or support to someone at the beginning of their career, even if they did not know that person.

Expert Perspective

Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and India Senior Managing Editor, LinkedIn News, commented on the findings: "As jobs evolve and career paths become less linear, the ability to build meaningful relationships is becoming just as important as building skills."

Her remarks highlight the growing importance of networking in a changing job market, where AI is transforming how people work and search for jobs.

The research was conducted by LinkedIn and covered by Deccan Chronicle and India Today.