3 Reasons Why Gen Z Is Getting A Bad Rap In The Workplace

Gen Z's are being fired from the workplace at an alarming rate. Here's why they've been dubbed (perhaps unfairly) the 'lazy generation.'

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | October 25, 2024

Gen Z took its first steps into the workforce at the height of the pandemic. However, 60% of employers have admitted to firing Gen Z employees they've hired this year, according to a recent article in Inc. This has led to a growing conversation about why many Gen Zers are struggling to keep their jobs.

It's easy to blame this occurrence on generational stereotypes—laziness, entitlement or immaturity—but the issue is far more complex. We must look at the younger generation's relationship with the traditional workplace to understand why this is happening. Here are three possible reasons Gen Zers are struggling to keep their jobs.

1. They Lack Motivation—Which Is Not Entirely Their Fault

One of the most common criticisms of Gen Z in general is a perceived lack of motivation. Everyone from Millennials to Boomers loves to talk about Gen Z's reluctance to work "hard" for what they want to achieve in life without necessarily dissecting why.

From the 2008 financial crisis to the more recent disruptions caused by COVID-19, this generation witnessed firsthand how employers often treated loyal employees. Layoffs, pay cuts and a lack of job security were common themes in their parents' lives.

From this vantage point, we can see why they might have developed a sense of skepticism about traditional career paths. It can be hard to "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" when you've seen that you are not always rewarded for it.

A report by Deloitte reported that Gen Z valued companies that cared about the world around them, including their employees. Yet, paradoxically, their lived experience included witnessing the instability of the labor market and companies that exploit everything in their path. This perceived lack of motivation may be a form of self-preservation, a reluctance to pour themselves into a system that has not offered much stability in return.

2. They Are Speaking A Different Language

Another issue that may be contributing to Gen Z's workplace challenges is communication. While members of this generation are often hailed as digital natives, that doesn't always translate into strong interpersonal skills in a traditional work environment. Growing up immersed in social media and text-based communication means many young employees may struggle with face-to-face conversations, especially those expected in professional settings.

A 2022 article from Harvard Law School explains that Gen Z workers entered the workforce during the pandemic. This generation began their careers when it was acceptable to send a quick text—something they are very comfortable with—instead of having a team meeting. They missed office facetime at a crucial point in their career development. This potentially created a gap in their learning and left them unprepared for industries where meetings, presentations and in-depth collaboration are the norm.

The problem arises when workplaces expect Gen Z to conform without offering any middle ground. This communication gap can easily lead to misunderstandings, mistakes or even the appearance that these workers are not engaged—when in reality, they are just using different methods to communicate.

3. They Reject the All-Work-No-Life Mentality

Perhaps the most defining reason why Gen Z might be finding themselves out of jobs is their rejection of traditional work culture, which emphasizes long hours, constant availability and immersion in one's job.

Success has been tied to hard work and career sacrifice for the older generations. Millennials' "hustle culture" romanticized the idea of working nights, weekends and holidays to get ahead. But Gen Z is not buying into this. They want more than just a paycheck—they want balance, meaning and a sense of personal fulfillment that isn't entirely tied to employment.

Another Deloitte report from 2023 found that 50% of Gen Z respondents ranked "work-life balance" as one of their top priorities when considering a job. This "speak your mind" generation is less likely to tolerate toxic workplace environments and is quicker to leave a position that doesn't meet their expectations.

This doesn't necessarily equate to laziness. Gen Z is more willing to prioritize personal well-being and mental health over career advancement. This shift in priorities can be jarring for their older colleagues and companies that expect employees to go above and beyond. Gen Z is less willing to stay late at the office or be constantly available via email after hours.

It is essential to recognize that many workplace issues Gen Z faces are not entirely their fault. They have grown up in a rapidly changing world where the traditional promises of job security and career progression do not necessarily hold true. They have learned that there is more to life than working for a company that does not necessarily reward them for it.

Gen Z is not being fired simply because they are a "bad generation" of workers. Instead, they are clashing with outdated work systems and a failure to adapt to modern needs.

Do you feel like your work environment is toxic? Take this test to find out: Gaslighting At Work Questionnaire

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.