3 reasons why Generation Z is being laid off from work – from a psychologist

At the height of the pandemic, Generation Z took their first steps into professional life. According to a recent article by Inc., 60 percent of employers have admitted to laying off Generation Z employees they hired in the last year. This has led to a growing discussion about why many members of Generation Z struggle to keep their jobs.

It’s easy to attribute this phenomenon to generational stereotypes – laziness, entitlement or immaturity – but the problem is far more complex. We need to look at the younger generation’s relationship with the traditional workplace to understand why this is happening. Here are three possible reasons why Generation Z is struggling to keep their jobs.

1. They lack motivation – which is not entirely their fault

One of the most common criticisms of Generation Z in general is their perceived lack of motivation. Everyone from Millennials to Baby Boomers loves to talk about Generation Z’s reluctance to work “hard” for what they want in life, without necessarily analyzing why.

From the 2008 financial crisis to the more recent Covid-19 disruptions, this generation has seen firsthand how employers often treated loyal employees. Layoffs, pay cuts and lack of job security were common themes in her parents’ lives.

From this perspective, we can understand why they may have developed some skepticism about traditional career paths. It can be difficult to “blow your socks off” when you have seen that you are not always rewarded for it.

A report from Deloitte reported that Generation Z values ​​companies that care about the world around them, including their employees. But paradoxically, her life experience has also included the instability of the labor market and companies that take advantage of everything that comes their way. This perceived lack of motivation may be a form of self-preservation, a reluctance to empathize with a system that hasn’t offered much stability in return.

2. They speak a different language

Another issue that could be contributing to Generation Z’s challenges in the workplace is communication. While members of this generation are often celebrated as digital natives, this does not always translate into strong interpersonal skills in a traditional work environment. Because many young employees grow up with social media and text-based communication, they may find it difficult to have face-to-face conversations, especially those that are expected in a professional setting.

A 2022 article by Harvard Law School explains that Generation Z workers have entered the workforce during the pandemic. This generation started their careers when it was acceptable to send a quick text message instead of a team meeting – something they feel very comfortable with. At a crucial point in their professional development, they missed out on face-to-face contact in the office. This potentially created a learning gap and left them unprepared for industries where meetings, presentations and intense collaboration are the norm.

The problem arises when workplaces expect Generation Z to adapt without offering a middle ground. This communication gap can easily lead to misunderstandings, mistakes, or even the appearance that these employees are disengaged – when in reality they are just using different methods of communication.

3. They reject the all-work, no-life mentality

Perhaps the most important reason Generation Z could lose their jobs is their rejection of the traditional work culture that emphasizes long hours, constant availability and job immersion.

For older generations, success came with hard work and career sacrifices. Millennial “hustle culture” romanticized the idea of ​​working nights, weekends, and holidays to get ahead. But Generation Z doesn’t accept that. They want more than just a paycheck – they want balance, meaning, and a sense of personal fulfillment that isn’t tied exclusively to employment.

Another Deloitte A 2023 report found that 50% of Gen Z respondents ranked “work-life balance” as one of their top priorities when looking for a job. This “speak your mind” generation is less tolerant of toxic work environments and more likely to leave a position that doesn’t meet their expectations.

This doesn’t necessarily mean laziness. Generation Z is more willing to prioritize personal well-being and mental health over career advancement. This shift in priorities can be unsettling for older colleagues and companies that expect high performance from their employees. Generation Z is less willing to stay in the office late or be constantly available via email outside of business hours.

It’s important to recognize that many of Generation Z’s problems in the workplace are not entirely their fault. They have grown up in a rapidly changing world where the traditional promises of job security and career advancement are not necessarily true. They’ve learned that there’s more to life than working for a company that doesn’t necessarily pay them for it.

Generation Z will not be fired simply because they are a “bad generation” of workers. Instead, they are in conflict with outdated work systems and a lack of adaptation to modern needs.

Do you feel like your work environment is toxic? Take this test to find out: Gaslighting in the Workplace Questionnaire