Three out of four companies found some or all of their new graduates hired this year to be unsatisfactory, according to a recent survey.
Intelligent.com surveyed 966 business leaders involved in hiring decisions at U.S. organizations in August, including those in healthcare, and published the findings in a Sept. 13 article.
While each generation that enters the workforce tends to cause confusion for leaders, Gen Z's workplace issues partially stem from the fact that many held virtual internships during the pandemic and were not able to learn workplace norms, according to some managers.
Here are 5 key takeaways from the recent survey.
1. Three in 4 organizations reported issues with some or all Gen Z new hires.
Among those surveyed who hired recent college graduates in 2024 – 94% of respondents – 75% said some or all new hires were unsatisfactory. This is compared to 25% who said all the new hires worked out well.
2. Poor motivation topped the list of issues with Gen Z hires.
Lacking motivation or initiative was the most common reason recent college graduates have not been successful in their roles. This was followed by lack of professionalism, poor organizational and communication skills, and challenges with feedback, according to the respondents.
3. Sixty percent of organizations terminated a recent graduate in 2024.
While 60% said some were fired, 79% said some of the underperforming hires were placed on performance improvement plans.
4. Recent graduates are unprepared for the workforce, according to more than half of hiring managers.
Of those surveyed, 53% of hiring managers said Gen Z graduates are unprepared and lack communication skills.
Respondents most often described the recent graduates as entitled and easily offended.
5. Of the hiring managers surveyed, 13% are "somewhat hesitant" to hire recent graduates.
While 4% are extremely hesitant to hire recent graduates, 25% feel neutral. Another 25% are extremely enthusiastic and 34% are somewhat enthusiastic, according to the article.