Why 60% of Employers Are Firing Recent College Graduates

A recent Intelligent.com survey of 966 U.S. hiring managers exposes Gen Z's professional shortcomings - and the numbers suggest this isn't just growing pains, but a crisis forcing companies to change their hiring playbooks.

Key Concerns About Recent Graduates

1. Poor Performance & High Turnover A growing number of companies say new graduates just aren't workplace-ready - and that's worrying.

75% of companies reported that some or all recent graduate hires in 2024 were unsatisfactory. This raises concerns about the skills and preparedness of new entrants into the job market.
60% of businesses have fired at least one recent grad this year, highlighting issues with retention and performance.
79% of companies have placed underperforming hires on performance improvement plans, suggesting that many graduates struggle to meet expectations even after initial hiring.

2. Top Complaints from Employers When it comes to recent graduates, companies point to some clear problem areas.

Lack of motivation/initiative (50%): Many employers feel that recent grads are not proactive in their roles.
Unprofessional behavior (46%): This encompasses a range of issues, from inappropriate dress to lack of decorum in workplace interactions.
Poor communication skills (39%): Effective communication is critical in any job, yet many graduates fall short in this area.
Struggles with feedback (38%): The ability to accept and act on constructive criticism is vital for professional growth, and many recent grads find this challenging.
Inability to problem-solve (34%): Employers expect new hires to navigate challenges effectively, but a notable portion of graduates struggle in this regard.

3. Workplace Struggles That first job out of college? It's proving harder than many graduates expected.

21% of managers indicate that recent grads cannot handle the workload, suggesting a misalignment of expectations regarding job demands.
20% report that grads are frequently late to work, which can disrupt team dynamics and productivity.
18% of recent graduates miss meetings, further impacting their integration into the workplace.
19% have been noted for dressing inappropriately or using unprofessional language, which can tarnish their professional image.

4. Why Are Companies Hesitant to Hire Gen Z? It's not just about job performance - employers are questioning Gen Z's entire approach to work.

65% believe recent grads are "entitled," suggesting a disconnect between expectations and reality regarding job roles and responsibilities.
63% feel they "get offended too easily," indicating a challenge in workplace interactions and feedback.
55% criticize their work ethic, perceiving a lack of commitment and drive among recent hires.
54% say they resist feedback, making it difficult for graduates to grow and adapt in their roles.
53% feel they are unprepared for the workforce, highlighting a gap in practical skills and real-world experience.

These concerns are having real consequences - 1 in 6 managers now think twice about hiring grads, and 1 in 7 companies might stop altogether next year. If this trend continues, it could reshape the job market and derail young careers.

Conclusion

The findings highlight a simple truth: employers and graduates aren’t on the same page. Better communication and realistic expectations from both sides could transform these workplace tensions into stronger partnerships.

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