Gen Z’s Workplace Woes: Why Young Grads Are Getting Fired Fast—and How to Fix It

For years, employers have voiced frustration over Gen Z’s work habits, but now they’re taking action—by showing them the door. A recent survey found that six in ten companies have already fired some of their freshly minted college hires, with many questioning whether they’ll bother hiring recent grads at all next year.

Why Are Companies Letting Go of Gen Z Employees So Quickly?

The biggest complaint? A lack of motivation and initiative. Half of the surveyed employers said their young hires just weren’t putting in the effort. Other top concerns included unprofessional behavior, poor communication, and a general lack of organization. Some managers even pointed to more basic issues, like frequent tardiness, inappropriate workplace attire, and an inability to manage workloads.

In short, bosses believe many Gen Z workers aren’t prepared for the realities of professional life—and some colleges are now stepping in to help. Michigan State University, for example, has started teaching students how to network properly, even training them on recognizing when their conversation partner has lost interest. Meanwhile, a school in London is trialing a 12-hour school day to get students used to adult responsibilities.

The Key to Success? Attitude Over Credentials

So, what would make Gen Z more employable? According to business leaders, the answer is simple: a better attitude. They’re looking for young professionals who show initiative, embrace challenges, and take responsibility.

Intelligent.com’s career development expert Huy Nguyen advises young professionals to study workplace dynamics, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate a willingness to learn. “Take the initiative to seek feedback and apply it. Build a reputation for reliability by maintaining a positive attitude, meeting deadlines, and stepping up for projects,” Nguyen says.

It’s advice that’s echoed by top executives. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has said that success in your twenties is “embarrassingly” dependent on attitude. Virgin’s Richard Branson urges young people to ditch traditional education in favor of real-world experience. Even Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg believes personality and raw talent outweigh formal credentials.

And he’s not alone—Cisco’s UK chief, David Meads, left school at 16 but climbed the corporate ladder by proving his worth. His advice? “Attitude and aptitude are more important than whatever letters you have after your name.”

The takeaway for Gen Z? Skills matter, but in today’s workplace, enthusiasm, resilience, and a strong work ethic might just be the ultimate hiring advantage.