Newcomers to the job market are often keen for career advice. But while they might traditionally have looked to their managers for such guidance, more and more of them are turning to ChatGPT.

Some 47% of Generation-Z workers, surveyed for a new report by US firms Workplace Intelligence and Intoo, say ChatGPT gives them better career advice than their own managers. Overall, young workers seem to trust social networks more than their line managers when it comes to finding tips and tricks to advance their careers.

“Gen Z, in particular, feels detached from their managers and, as a result, struggles to get the support needed to advance in their careers,” the report reads. “Gen Z workers also have a far greater expectation for career development guidance and programming than those from older generations.

“As the fastest-growing employee demographic, this lack of support could lead to ongoing, increased attrition and diminished engagement.”

Gen Z are not the only ones to be dissatisfied with their managers: four out of 10 employees say their manager has given them “bad” career advice, across all age groups. That’s why workers are multiplying the sources they turn to, preferring (when it comes to humans) their family and friends (62%).

Receiving bad advice in the workplace has more consequences than you might think. First of all, it can hinder career development: 67% of those surveyed said they had stayed in a job that didn’t suit them, or missed out on a promotion and/or pay rise because they had received bad advice.

It can also have a negative impact on employee wellbeing, with nearly 60% saying they had personally suffered as a result of following unwise recommendations. This feeling is particularly prevalent among Gen Z, 39% of whom say their mental health has been affected by poor professional advice.

It’s essential for managers to take their role as advisers more seriously and, above all, take the time to guide their employees. The majority of workers (62%) would like to talk to their line manager about their careers more often, but the manager is often too busy to see them.

Meanwhile, 42% say their managers don’t know how to help them with their career development.

Now more than ever, managers should encourage regular discussion with their teams to ensure their professional wellbeing, and prevent them from being tempted to seek a sympathetic ear elsewhere.