SURVEY: Gen Z struggles with basic DIY tasks

01/28/2025 / By Laura Harris

A survey by Halfords found that 25 percent of Gen Z participants are unable to change a ceiling lightbulb, with many preferring to hire others to complete basic household tasks, spending an average of $1,500 annually.
Gen Z struggles with basic tasks like adding air to a tire or hanging a picture, often relying on parents or professionals. Nearly 30 percent of participants couldn’t identify common tools like a flat head screwdriver.
A 2024 Harris Poll study revealed that 82 percent of managers believe Gen Z hires need more guidance in soft skills, such as receiving feedback and networking, compared to technical training.
Three-quarters of managers find it more challenging to train Gen Z in soft skills, which are increasingly important in the modern workplace, especially as AI takes over repetitive tasks.
Experts predict that soft skills such as empathy, teamwork and judgment will be crucial for human roles in the future, as AI becomes more integrated into the workforce, highlighting the need for Gen Z to develop these skills.

A recent survey has confirmed that many members of Gen Z are really struggling with fundamental do-it-yourself (DIY) tasks, such as changing a light bulb.

The survey conducted by Halfords, a U.K.-based motoring and cycling retailer, revealed that nearly 25 percent of the 2,000 Gen Z participants are unable to change a ceiling lightbulb. Many cited safety concerns, such as hot bulbs or ladder risks, as reasons for avoiding the task. Instead of attempting the task themselves, they opt for a new term coined in the study: “GOTDIT” (Get Others To Do It).

This trend extends beyond light bulbs.

The report indicates that many Gen Zers are turning to professionals for minor household tasks rather than tackling them on their own. Halfords analysts even discovered that Gen Z spends an average of over 1,500 annually on hiring professionals for basic household tasks. This is in stark contrast to Gen X, who spends an average of 470 and boomers, who spend just $300 for the same basic household tasks.

Reluctance to take on DIY tasks is also evident in car-related chores. Less than half of Gen Z can perform tasks like adding air to a tire or replacing a windshield wiper blade, often relying on their parents to complete these tasks for them.

The lack of practical skills among Gen Z extends even to recognizing basic tools. Nearly 30 percent of participants could not identify a flat head screwdriver and 21 percent were unable to recognize a wrench. Most shockingly, one in 10 Gen Zers would call a professional simply to hang a picture.

In line with this, Andy Turbefield, a spokesperson for Halfords, concluded that “the ability to do basic, practical tasks is being lost amongst younger generations. They simply haven’t really had to [do things for themselves].”

This sentiment is echoed by Yamalis Diaz, a psychologist at New York University Langone.

“They simply haven’t really had to [do things for themselves],” Diaz said. “So much of their lives are automated, convenient and outsourced, which today’s generation of young people have benefited from way more than past generations. So, it makes complete sense that Gen Z simply doesn’t know how to do as much with regard to non-tech or independent tasks.”

Gen Zers also lack “soft skills” in workplace

Practical skills are not the only ones lacking among Gen Zers.

In 2024, a Harris Poll study, carried out exclusively for Fortune, revealed that 82 percent of managers believe their Gen Z hires need more guidance, time and training in soft skills. The findings suggest that while traditional onboarding processes may teach new hires the technical aspects of their jobs, they often fall short in imparting crucial interpersonal skills.

According to the survey of 1,200 knowledge workers, many Gen Z employees struggle with receiving feedback, networking with senior managers and navigating workplace norms. Additionally, three-quarters of managers report that it is more challenging to train new hires in soft skills compared to technical skills.

Gen Z employees themselves acknowledge these challenges, with 78 percent of those surveyed agreeing that certain soft skills, such as emotional awareness and the ability to connect, can only be learned by observing more experienced colleagues over time. This is particularly difficult for those who experienced virtual college and internships, as they lack the opportunity to learn through in-person interaction. (Related: Managers complain: Gen Z lacks “soft skills,” has “unrealistic” workplace expectations.)

Jessie Wisdom, Ph.D., co-founder and head of people science at software firm Humu, attributes the increased importance of soft skills to a societal shift towards open communication and care. “We’ve refocused, as a society, on being open and caring for one another. Of course that’s showing up in the workplace,” Wisdom said.

The LinkedIn 2022 report corroborates the growing importance of soft skills, with 61 percent of workers stating that they are just as important as technical skills. Linda Jingfang Cai, VP of talent development at LinkedIn, emphasized the need for empathy and connection in the modern workplace, calling soft skills “the currency of the future workplace.”

As artificial intelligence continues to integrate itself into the workforce, soft skills such as judgment, teamwork, and vision articulation become even more critical. Experts predict that these skills will be the primary responsibilities left for humans as AI takes over repetitive and rote tasks. However, many Gen Z employees report feeling afraid to ask “dumb questions” due to their lack of adequate interpersonal training and 59 percent are unsure of where to turn for help.

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Watch this video explaining the new workplace trend.

This video is from the PATRIOT.TV channel on Brighteon.com.

SURVEY: Gen Z struggles with basic DIY tasks

Gen Zers also lack “soft skills” in workplace

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