Gen Z workers are getting fired — and managers aren’t staying quiet about it. Struggling to get along with your Gen Z coworkers? You’re not the only one — and now, even hiring managers are talking about it. In this article, we are going to show you multiple surveys tensions between generations in the workplace, in which this generation seems to be getting the most attention.
In recent reports, managers say these employees — defined as those born from 1997 onward — are the hardest to work with. Some even claim they’ve had to fire Gen Z hires just days, or even hours, after bringing them on. Let’s take a closer look at what the data says.
Managers v. Gen Z
A Resume Genius survey was made in 2024, to find out what’s going on between hiring managers and this generation. Let’s see some numbers on what managers said about the different generations and how difficult it is to work with each of them:
- 45% said Gen Z
- 26% said Millennials
- 13% said Gen X
- 9% said Baby Boomers
Another survey from Resume Builder (2023) backed this up:
- 74% of managers said they’ve had the hardest time working with Gen Z
- 59% said they’ve had to let go of at least one Gen Z employee
- 1 in 5 said they let someone go within the first week
Why are these workers being let go?
In Resume Builder’s survey, managers pointed to several reasons why they found Gen Z employees difficult to work with. These were the top responses:
- 39% lack of technological skills
- 37% don’t put in enough effort
- 37% struggle to stay motivated
- 37% get less done than expected
- 36% get distracted easily
- 36% have trouble communicating clearly
- 35% take things personally or getting offended quickly
These patterns are raising questions across the board, and not just about Gen Z — but also about how workplaces are evolving.
What managers are saying
Don’t worry, not everything is negative. In comments to Resume Builder, some managers said something about Gen Z’s strengths and struggles. For example, Adam Garfield, marketing director at Hairbro, shared: “Compared to other generations, I find Gen Z to be highly innovative and adaptable. They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo and bring new ideas to the table. They also value authenticity and transparency, and expect companies to be socially responsible.”
That said, he added somethingthey should improve: “While they are proficient in using digital communication tools, they may lack some of the interpersonal skills required for face-to-face interactions.”
Rob Gold, vice president of marketing communications at Intermedia, offered a similar take in comments to U.S. News after the Resume Builder poll was released: “Everyone talks about taking initiative, but I’ve seen new workers try to fix problems on their own, which slows them down. The most effective staff members work hard — but also smart, leveraging collective knowledge.”
Generational conflict isn’t new
While the latest surveys are focused on Gen Z, this isn’t the first time a younger generation has clashed with those before them.
Back in the 2010s, recruitment firm Robert Walters reported similar friction between Millennials and older colleagues. Employers at the time described Millennials as the most “impatient” generation, particularly noting their desire for rapid promotions.
The company’s CEO, Chris Hickey, said that helping different generations work together was becoming a major priority.
What Gen Z wants from the workplace
As Gen Z continues to grow in the workforce, new surveys are shedding light on what they’re looking for on the job.
In a June 2025 poll by Resume.io, Gen Z workers saw work-life balance as a top priority. 30% said a four-day workweek is one of the most important benefits an employer can offer — more than any other generation. What’s more, they also said recreational spaces at work (like ping-pong tables) are valuable and support for neurodiverse employees is paramount.
Are Gen Z workers really the problem?
Is this generation clashing with the modern workplace — or shaping the future of it? With more Gen Zers entering the workforce each year, this conversation is only just getting started. Have you worked with these employees — or are you part of this generation yourself? What’s your take?