Generation Z employees enter the labor market with high expectations and ambitions, but for many the transition is not going as planned.
A survey published by Intelligent.com in September found that 60% of employers have already abandoned Gen Z hires just months after starting. The reasons pile up: lack of motivation, poor communication skills and unprofessional behavior top the list. Employers have also identified issues such as tardiness, inappropriate workplace attire and unrealistic expectations for quick promotions.
Don’t miss:
Recruiters and hiring managers aren’t just frustrated; they are reconsidering whether it is worth hiring new graduates. One in six employers say they are hesitant to bring on new graduates, and some companies are avoiding them outright in next year’s hiring cycle.
According to an article in the New York Post, the rift does not appear to be limited to American recruitment expert Roxanne Calder. Similar trends are observed in Australia, although not as severe as in America. She notes that employers are frustrated because younger workers often don’t meet the expectations associated with their starting salaries — many of which hover around $80,000 for entry-level positions. Companies are looking for employees who can immediately “fire” on all cylinders, but Calder says many Gen Z workers don’t have the technical and interpersonal skills to meet these demands.
See also: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte’s fastest-growing software company transforms 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – with €1,000 you can invest for only €0.26/share!
In her experience, one of the biggest challenges is the way Gen Z handles feedback. “They find it very difficult,” she told news.com.au, as the New York Post reported.
Sometimes Calder talks to young employees and then sends them an email asking if they have anything to add because she notices that they have so much difficulty with face-to-face communication. This reluctance to engage directly with managers and process constructive criticism creates a significant gap between employer expectations and employee willingness.
Feedback has also become a bottleneck; Calder notes that Gen Z employees often have difficulty accepting constructive criticism, which can cause friction with managers.
To add fuel to the fire, TikTok is full of Gen Z employees sharing their stories about being fired. Some blame rigid or outdated workplace cultures, while others admit they were unprepared for the realities of their roles. Calder says, “They want the dream career, but when reality hits, it’s hard to reconcile the two.”
