Gen Z is Getting Fired

According to a survey by Intelligent.com, 60% of employers have already fired the college graduates they hired this year. And 75% of companies said some or all of these hires were unsatisfactory. So, what's going wrong?

Here are the top four reasons:

4. Struggles with Workplace Expectations
Over half of employers feel that Gen Z isn’t prepared for the realities of the working world. The college experience doesn’t always translate well to professional settings, and expectations often clash. To fix this, employers must clearly outline expectations upfront, while Gen Z employees need to understand that success is built on both education and experience.

3. Unprofessional Behavior and Attire:  
Almost half of employers say professionalism is a problem, with tardiness and inappropriate clothing being common issues. Social media fashion trends don’t always align with workplace standards, and dressing professionally still matters. Gen Z employees should ask about workplace attire to avoid any missteps, while employers can help by providing clear dress code examples.

2. Poor Communication Skills:  
Communication is key in any job, but 39% of employers find Gen Z's communication skills lacking. The ability to switch from casual, social media-style conversations to formal, professional communication is crucial. Both sides must work on being clear, concise, and professional in all interactions to avoid misunderstandings.

1. Lack of Motivation and Initiative:  
Half of employers say their biggest issue with Gen Z is a lack of motivation and initiative. Being a self-starter is important to succeeding in todays workplace. Gen Z employees should take ownership of their work, while employers need to empower their teams by avoiding micromanagement and encouraging initiative.

Despite these challenges, Gen Z brings fresh perspectives and a sense of purpose to the workplace. By improving communication, managing expectations, and fostering motivation, this generation can thrive. And if you’re an employer looking for help navigating this new workforce, reach out—I’d love to assist!

Check out the full conversation below:
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Brandon Matthews

Brandon is passionate about bringing meaning back to the marketplace. These are practical and applicable principles for your organization.