Top Three Reasons Gen Z Employees Are Getting Fired, According To A Psychologist

Their challenges are unique to the era in which they were raised.

Damjan

• Published in Community
• October 22, 2024

The workforce constantly evolves, with every generation bringing its attitudes and challenges. As Gen Z steps into the professional world, they’ve become a focus of criticism.

Some employers claim this generation lacks motivation, professionalism, or the work ethic of those who came before. But such judgments only skim the surface of a more complex situation. A deeper look shows that Gen Z’s approach to work is shaped by changing workplace cultures and the societal shifts they’ve grown up with.

Each generation has faced its share of stereotypes, and Gen Z is no exception. Their challenges, though, are unique to the era in which they were raised.

Just as Boomers were once mocked for their outdated fashion, Gen Z is now subjected to criticisms that can overlook the broader picture. Accusations of laziness or entitlement often miss critical factors behind their approach to employment.

A recent research report reported that 60 percent of employers fired Gen Z hires within the past year. This statistic has fueled debates about why this generation faces more difficulties in traditional job settings. Experts, such as Mark Travers, who writes for Forbes, point to three main reasons: the changing nature of work, shifting priorities, and a different understanding of what a healthy work-life balance should look like.

Gen Z is getting fired more often.

Lack of Motivation or Just a New Perspective?

Employers frequently complain that Gen Z lacks motivation. But is that the whole story? While older generations often embraced the “hustle culture,” logging long hours and sacrificing personal time for career growth, Gen Z seems to be carving a different path.

They’re less about working harder and more about working smarter. Growing up during key economic events like the 2008 financial crisis and experiencing the shake-up caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced their outlook.

Many in this generation have witnessed how some companies can disregard employee well-being, likely dampening their enthusiasm for rigid corporate life. It's not that they’re unwilling to put in the effort, but they’re more selective, focusing on work that aligns with both personal values and a broader social purpose.

They just don't seem to communicate on the same wavelength.

Communication Gaps in the Digital Age

One challenge employers see with Gen Z in the workplace is their approach to communication, especially in professional settings. Even though they use the same language as older generations, their communication style, shaped by growing up in a digital world, can sometimes create a disconnect.

With social media a constant part of their lives, Gen Z workers' interaction styles differ. Unlike older generations who built their professional skills through in-person meetings and face-to-face interactions, many Gen Z workers launched their careers during the pandemic.

Virtual platforms like Zoom, email, and text became their primary communication methods at work. This means they have less experience with traditional office dynamics, such as making small talk or resolving personal conflicts.

A 2022 report from Harvard Law School noted how the pandemic disrupted early career experiences for Gen Z, leaving them more isolated and less familiar with typical office settings. While they're skilled in digital communication, the subtleties of in-person professional interactions are less familiar to them. This can create a gap with older colleagues, who might find their communication style harder to adapt.

They're not really into the hustle lifestyle.

Work-Life Balance Over Hustle

Gen Z stands out for how much they prioritize work-life balance. Unlike older generations, who often found it hard to resist employer demands, this group seems less willing to sacrifice personal time for work.

Having seen the toll overworking has taken on their parents and older colleagues, they choose a different path, aiming for a lifestyle that balances personal and professional success. Gen Z is rejecting the hustle culture altogether.

They’re drawn to more flexible, autonomous careers like entrepreneurship or crypto trading. A 2023 report from Deloitte supports this, showing that 50% of Gen Z workers rank work-life balance as their number one priority.

This doesn’t mean they’re any less driven—it just means they’re finding new ways to achieve success without sacrificing their well-being. While older generations might interpret this as a lack of commitment, it’s more about Gen Z redefining what work should look like today.

The challenges Gen Z faces in the workplace aren't just generational shortcomings. They’re more about how traditional work setups don’t quite fit with what this younger group values.

Gen Z workers aren’t being let go because they’re bad employees—they're running into systems that haven’t adjusted to their expectations. For businesses to thrive, they may need to reconsider how they approach and support Gen Z employees.

Tapping into their motivations, improving communication, and respecting their focus on work-life balance could be crucial in unlocking their full potential.

Damjan