For the last couple of years, bosses have been voicing frustrations about Gen Z grads being difficult to work with! Now, they’re doing more than just complaining—they’re firing these young workers, often within months of hiring them.
Leaders like Richard Branson and Mark Zuckerberg have long said that attitude trumps formal qualifications. Raw talent, adaptability, and the willingness to grow often outshine what’s on a resume.
A new report shows that 60% of employers have already let go of some of the Gen Z employees they hired earlier this year.
So what’s going wrong?
In fact, one in six bosses is now hesitant to hire fresh college grads at all, with some even considering skipping next year’s pool of graduates altogether.
According to the survey, three-quarters of recent hires were deemed unsatisfactory by their employers. The main complaints? Lack of motivation and initiative. Half of the leaders surveyed said their new hires just didn’t show the drive to succeed. Add to that the perception that Gen Z is unprofessional, disorganized, and lacking basic communication skills, and it’s clear that something’s not adding up between education and the workforce.
As a mom to two teenagers, this topic is especially close to my heart. I think all leaders—who are often parents themselves—can relate to the frustration of seeing young talent stumble as they transition into the workforce. We all want to see the next generation succeed, both as future leaders and as our children.
Bosses are also noticing more tangible issues: frequent tardiness, inappropriate workplace attire, and a lack of understanding about office culture. It’s led to a common conclusion among hiring managers—today’s college graduates simply aren’t prepared for the realities of work. Over 20% of leaders even say these young hires couldn’t handle the workload.
The gap between school and work isn’t new, but it’s getting wider.
Some universities are beginning to acknowledge this. Michigan State University, for example, is teaching students how to navigate professional conversations and networking situations. Even more radically, a London high school is trialing 12-hour school days to better prepare students for adult life.
Here in Palo Alto, kids receive “living skills” education, which covers health, drug and sex education as well as a 15-hour community-service requirement. We teach kids all sorts of things in school—but maybe it’s time we focus on something else just as important: how to not only land a job but also how to thrive and grow within it!
The Game-Changer? Attitude
Here’s where the real opportunity lies for Gen Z. When employers were asked what would make a recent grad more hirable, the overwhelming answer wasn’t technical skills or experience—it was a positive attitude and initiative.
Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, recently emphasized that an “embarrassing” amount of your early-career success depends on attitude. And it’s true—managers will always choose a motivated, positive team player over someone who might be technically brilliant but difficult to work with!
The word “embarrassing” highlights how much influence attitude can have, and a positive attitude can manifest in being eager to learn, taking initiative, collaborating well with colleagues, and demonstrating a willingness to go the extra mile, even if faced with challenges.
Take David Meads, Cisco’s top executive in the U.K., who dropped out of school at 16. His message? Attitude and aptitude will get you further than letters after your name.
If Gen Z wants to thrive in today’s workplace, they need to move beyond just degrees and grades. What really sets you apart are the EQ skills—attitude, networking, adaptability, likability, and a sense of optimism. These qualities don’t just get you in the door; they keep you in the game and help you grow.