Recent reports highlight that many companies are firing Generation Z employees shortly after hiring them, with a growing reluctance to hire recent graduates. A survey by the education and career advisory platform, Intelligent, revealed that companies are increasingly dissatisfied with their Gen Z hires, primarily due to issues such as entitlement, poor communication, and lack of professionalism.
The Disconnect Between Education and Workplace Expectations
Generation Z, generally born between 1997 and the early 2010s, is entering a workforce that is unprepared for their specific needs. Many of these new graduates, who focused on extracurricular activities to enhance their college competitiveness, are now finding themselves unprepared for the workplace. Experts argue that this focus on academic and extracurricular achievements, rather than gaining real-world work experience, has led to unrealistic expectations about workplace dynamics.
According to Holly Schroth, a senior lecturer at the Haas School of Business, this generation often lacks basic social skills and workplace etiquette, which complicates their transition into professional environments. Companies now find themselves needing to invest significant time and resources into training and onboarding these new hires.
Rising Discontent: Why Are Gen Z Employees Being Let Go?
A significant number of employers have already let go of recent graduates within the first year of hiring. The main reasons for this include a lack of motivation, poor communication skills, and a failure to meet the professional standards expected in the workplace. Over 60% of surveyed companies reported dismissing recent college graduates in 2023.
Huy Nguyen, the chief education and career development advisor at Intelligent, stated that many of these employees struggled with the autonomy required in the workplace and were unprepared for the cultural dynamics and less structured environment. Despite having theoretical knowledge from college, they often lack the practical experience and soft skills essential for success in their roles.
Moreover, additional reports suggest that many Gen Z job seekers continue to rely heavily on their parents for support during their job search, with 70% admitting to seeking parental help, and 25% even bringing parents to interviews.
What Employers Are Looking For in Gen Z Workers
To improve their chances of success, Gen Z graduates should focus on demonstrating initiative, professionalism, and a positive attitude. Employers value real-world experience, whether from internships or part-time jobs, and stress the importance of having an appropriate social media presence. Most importantly, new hires should show respect for their work environment, avoid political discussions, and be committed to their roles.
While employers remain cautious about hiring Gen Z employees, they also recognize that this generation, which now makes up over 25% of the workforce, has potential. Investing in proper training and development can help them thrive, creating long-term benefits for both employees and employers.