Business leaders across the United States are expressing concerns about the readiness of Generation Z workers for professional environments, according to a recent survey conducted by
Intelligent.com. The poll, which gathered responses from 966 executives in August, revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the performance and attitudes of employees born between 1996 and 2010.
The survey found that 75% of business leaders considered most of their recent college graduate hires unsuccessful, with 60% reporting that some of these new employees had to be terminated. As a result, many supervisors indicated they would be hesitant to hire Gen Z workers in the coming year.
Huy Nguyen, chief education and career development advisor for Intelligent and a former Fortune 500 hiring manager, noted the disconnect between Gen Z’s information-rich upbringing and traditional workplace norms. “When they go into a company that has more
traditional norms, you get a situation where it doesn’t always mesh,” Nguyen explained.
The survey highlighted several areas of concern among employers. Approximately 17% of leaders found Gen Z workers “too difficult” to manage, while 39% cited poor communication skills as a significant issue. Jessen James, an international entrepreneur and business mentor, observed that some young professionals struggle with basic interpersonal skills, such as maintaining eye contact and projecting their voices.
James also pointed out what he termed “snowflakeism” among some Gen Z employees, describing their tendency to struggle under even mild pressure. “It’s almost like you have to walk on eggshells around them, being super sensitive when managing them, in case you offend them, upset them, or push them too far,” he remarked.
The survey also revealed concerns about workplace etiquette and professionalism. About 19% of respondents reported that recent graduates don’t dress appropriately for the office or use suitable language in professional settings. Punctuality was another issue, with 20% of business leaders noting that Gen Z employees are often late to work, and 15% reporting frequent delays in assignment completion.
In response to these challenges, many companies are implementing measures to address the perceived shortcomings of their younger workforce. Over half of the surveyed businesses now offer office etiquette training, with a quarter specifically mandating such programs for Gen Z recruits. Additionally, nearly 80% of companies have placed some disappointing hires on performance improvement plans.
Despite these concerns, Nguyen emphasized the importance of adapting to the changing workforce demographic. “More and more of them will enter the workforce — they’re here to stay,” he stated, suggesting that bridging the generational gap is crucial for ensuring overall success in the workplace.
The survey’s findings paint a complex picture of the evolving dynamics between established business practices and the expectations of the newest generation of workers. As Gen Z continues to enter the job market in greater numbers, companies face the challenge of integrating these young professionals while maintaining productivity and workplace standards.
This situation highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and adaptation on both sides. While businesses seek to uphold traditional
professional norms, they must also recognize and potentially leverage the unique perspectives and skills that Gen Z brings to the table. Conversely, young professionals may need to develop a better understanding of workplace expectations and the importance of certain professional behaviors.
As the workforce continues to evolve, finding a balance between maintaining established business practices and accommodating new generational perspectives will likely remain a key challenge for employers and employees alike.