A new report from Intelligent.com reveals that companies are swiftly terminating Gen Z employees just months after hiring them, sparking fresh debate over workplace readiness.
According to the survey, conducted in August 2024, many businesses are hesitant to hire recent college graduates due to concerns about their preparedness, communication skills, and professionalism.
The survey found that 60 percent of employers had already fired recent graduates hired this year, and one in seven companies expressed reluctance to recruit new graduates in 2025. The responses, drawn from nearly 1,000 business leaders, indicate growing skepticism about the value of Gen Z employees in the workplace.
“Many recent college graduates struggle to adjust to the workforce,” said Huy Nguyen, Chief Education and Career Development Advisor at Intelligent.com. “The workplace is often less structured than what they’re accustomed to, and they may lack the real-world experience and soft skills necessary for success.”
Nguyen also noted that common stereotypes about Gen Z—such as being lazy or uncooperative—can lead employers to overlook the challenges young workers face as they transition into full-time roles. He emphasised that companies share responsibility in helping new graduates succeed.
What role are stereotypes playing?
“Managers need to avoid falling into the trap of dismissing Gen Z workers based on stereotypes. Companies must also make an effort to prepare graduates for their workplace environment,” he added.
According to the survey, 75 percent of businesses found their recent graduate hires to be unsatisfactory. The top complaints were a lack of motivation (50%), poor communication skills (39%), and unprofessional behaviour (46%).
However, HR consultant Bryan Driscoll argues the fault lies not with Gen Z but with the education system. “Colleges today focus too much on theory and not enough on practical skills,” Driscoll told Newsweek. “Students graduate without the communication skills or professionalism needed in the corporate world.”
Driscoll believes companies are exacerbating the problem by not investing in training. “Instead of helping new hires develop the necessary skills, businesses are quick to fire them. It’s a systemic failure,” he said.
Driscoll stressed that bridging the gap between education and employment requires robust onboarding and mentorship programs. “If companies treat Gen Z workers as disposable, they’re stunting long-term workforce growth,” he warned. “Gen Z is eager to learn and develop, but they need the right support.”
He concluded by calling for a shift in both education and workplace training approaches. “The solution isn’t to stop hiring recent graduates, but to change how we view education and professional development,” Driscoll said. “Companies need to take responsibility for training their workers, as a college degree alone isn’t enough—and it never has been.”
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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