1 in 6 US companies are reluctant to hire young Americans in their 20s — cite their laziness and ‘lack of professionalism’. What’s behind this alarming trend?

Why are young professionals struggling?

One explanation is that Gen Z workers often reject corporate life, especially when it comes to tasks they see as unimportant. Tech entrepreneur Joe Procopio noted in a recent Inc. editorial that many young workers are frustrated with being assigned mundane tasks instead of meaningful work.

“It’s not that they don’t want to come back to the office. They don’t want any part of what they do when they get there,” Procopio wrote. “The reason there isn’t any work-life balance isn’t because life has gone away, it’s because work has gone away. It all just blends now.”

Additionally, younger workers may lack an understanding of professional norms like communication, dress codes, punctuality and teamwork. Growing up with a focus on work-life balance, many Gen Z workers view work as a part of life, not its center, which challenges traditional expectations of long hours and constant availability.

The pandemic further amplified these challenges, as many graduates missed key early work experiences like internships, which limited their exposure to workplace dynamics and professional etiquette.

However, the survey didn’t let older managers off the hook. Rather than dismissing Gen Z workers based on stereotypes, the report said companies have a responsibility to help young professionals succeed by providing structured support.

“It can be easy for managers to buy into typical stereotypes of Gen Z and dismiss them entirely; however, companies have an equal responsibility to prepare recent graduates for their particular workplace and give them the best chance to succeed,” Nguyen said.

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How young Americans can improve their career prospects

To counter these perceptions, young job seekers should focus on building soft skills like communication, teamwork and time management. Internships and part-time roles are invaluable for gaining real-world experience and learning workplace expectations. Even minor roles can provide essential insights into professional environments.

Intelligent’s survey also stressed the importance of work ethic. Fifty-four percent of employers said they’re more likely to hire candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic, with adaptability and punctuality close behind.