One in Six Employers Hesitant to Hire Gen Z

A growing trend among US employers shows increasing hesitance to hire recent Gen Z graduates due to concerns over motivation, professionalism, and communication skills. A survey conducted by Intelligent.com, involving nearly 1,000 US business leaders, revealed that six in 10 employers have quickly terminated new hires for these reasons, causing doubts about the effectiveness of hiring recent grads.

The survey highlighted significant dissatisfaction with Gen Z's transition from academia to the workplace. Seventy-five percent of employers reported disappointment with new graduates, with 50% citing a lack of motivation or initiative. Other concerns included unprofessional behavior, poor organizational skills, and weak communication abilities. Many employers specifically pointed out issues like tardiness, inappropriate dress, and unsuitable language. More than 20% also noted that graduates struggle to manage workloads effectively.

This dissatisfaction has led one in six employers to hesitate about hiring recent graduates in the future, while one in seven are considering avoiding them altogether next year. MBN previously reported that 40% of employers have turned to older candidates due to concerns over Gen Z’s professionalism and readiness. Additionally, about 60% of employers are offering higher salaries and more benefits to attract older workers, prioritizing them over recent graduates.

Gen Z workers, often described as digital natives due to their deep understanding of technology, frequently lack critical soft skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork, which are essential for professional success, explains LinkedIn. The global pandemic, according to The New York Times, exacerbated these challenges, as many young workers entered the workforce during a period of remote work, missing out on the in-person professional development and mentorship opportunities that earlier generations had. Additionally, an education system that focuses more on theoretical learning than practical, hands-on experience leaves these graduates underprepared for the realities of traditional corporate environments. 

Huy Nguyen, Chief Education and Career Development Advisor, Intelligent.com, advises Gen Z graduates to proactively learn company culture and improve workplace interactions. “Take the initiative to ask thoughtful questions, seek feedback, and apply it to show your motivation for personal growth,” he said. “Build a reputation for dependability by maintaining a positive attitude, meeting deadlines, and volunteering for projects, even those outside your immediate responsibilities.”

Andy Jassy, CEO, Amazon, recently noted that success in one’s twenties heavily depends on attitude, emphasizing the importance of attitude over credentials. David Meads, Executive, Cisco U.K., echoed similar sentiments, stating that “attitude and aptitude are more important than whatever letters you have after your name, or whatever qualifications you have got on a sheet.”