If you’ve read recent headlines, you’ll know that many employers are struggling with Generation Z in the workplace. A survey by Intelligent.com found that six out of ten companies had fired a recent graduate within the same year they were hired. That’s a striking figure and raises important questions for both job seekers and employers.
The video Gen Z is getting fired fast by corporate recruiter Bryan Creely takes a closer look at why this is happening. Here’s a summary of what he found, and what younger professionals can do to avoid becoming part of the statistic.
Why new graduates are being let go
Employers reported a range of concerns with Gen Z hires. Some of the most common were:
Lack of motivation or initiative
Poor professionalism, communication and organisation skills
Struggles with feedback
Weak problem-solving and technical skills
Poor cultural fit
Other frustrations included lateness, inappropriate use of phones, unprofessional behaviour and a lack of focus. While not every Gen Z employee behaves this way, enough do for it to affect how hiring managers view the generation as a whole.
The challenge for graduates
It’s worth remembering that many of these employees are coming into the workplace after spending years studying and often paying large sums for their degrees. Universities are not always preparing them for the realities of modern work. Employers, meanwhile, are sometimes advertising “entry-level” jobs that demand two or three years of experience. The result is a mismatch of expectations.
What Gen Z can do differently
The good news is that the solutions are straightforward. Employers say they are looking for people who:
Show initiative and a strong work ethic
Have a positive attitude and openness to feedback
Are punctual and reliable
Can work well with others
Build relevant experience through internships or part-time roles
Another area that matters more than ever is social media. Employers do look at what candidates post, and they don’t take kindly to seeing staff bragging about slacking off. A professional online presence is no longer optional.
Real-life examples
Bryan highlights stories shared on TikTok of young workers losing jobs for being late, missing shifts, or spending too much time on their phones. While these cases might not represent everyone, they reinforce the perception problem. Sadly, that can make life harder for motivated graduates who do want to succeed.
A balanced view
It’s important not to paint an entire generation with one brush. Every generation entering the workforce has faced criticism from those who came before. Many Gen Z professionals are hard-working, capable and ambitious. They are also helping to bring positive changes, such as healthier attitudes to work–life balance.
Final thoughts
If you’re a recent graduate, the key takeaway is simple: small actions make a big difference. Show up on time, be open to learning, and build experience wherever you can. These are the qualities that make employers take notice.
For employers, the challenge is to recognise both the pitfalls and the potential of this generation. With the right support, many Gen Z employees can thrive.
You can watch Bryan Creely’s full video here: Gen Z is getting fired fast. It’s well worth a look if you’re interested in how the workforce is changing.