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Growing Distrust in Gen Z Workers: A Survey Analysis

Introduction

In a revealing survey conducted by ResumeTemplates.com, insights gleaned from 1,000 hiring managers across the United States indicate a troubling trend in the views towards Generation Z employees. The data suggests a shift in trust as many employers perceive Gen Z workers as less reliable than artificial intelligence alternatives. The sentiments expressed by these managers underscore a significant concern regarding the work ethic and professionalism of younger employees.

Concerns About Gen Z Workforce

The survey's results are striking: more than half of the hiring managers display hesitance about employing Gen Z candidates. Alarmingly, about one in every eight managers explicitly labels this generation as unemployable. This perspective raises critical questions about the qualities associated with the Gen Z workforce.

Work Ethic and Professionalism Under Scrutiny

Several issues have been highlighted by the respondents. A significant portion of managers attribute their reluctance to hire Gen Z workers to perceived deficits in work ethic, entitlement, and overall professionalism. Specifically, 81% of the interviewees believe Gen Z lacks the diligence necessary for workplace success. Furthermore, 74% of participants articulated concerns regarding an entitlement mentality, while 68% indicated that professionalism is often found lacking among these young potential employees. The implications are substantial, with 18% of all hiring managers noting an observable decline in productivity attributed to Gen Z employees.

Julia Toothacre, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com, comments on this generational critique, linking it to historical patterns observed with previous cohorts, including Millennials. As she notes, “Critiques about entitlement and professionalism have followed every generation entering the workforce.” This suggests that these concerns might stem from broader shifts in workplace expectations and societal nurturing rather than from the individuals themselves.

AI's Rising Role in the Workplace

With distrust in the Gen Z workforce increasing, companies have started to turn toward artificial intelligence to fill roles traditionally reserved for entry-level employees. Alarmingly, data reveals that nearly 30% of companies have already started replacing entry-level positions with AI technologies. An additional 34% are contemplating similar actions.

Surprisingly, 41% of hiring managers now claim that AI tools outperform Gen Z candidates in reliability, primarily due to their ability to produce quicker and more consistent results with fewer errors. Such prevailing sentiments suggest that AI may soon become the mainstay of many business operations, especially when it comes to roles that require foundational experience.

The Long-term Outlook

The shift towards AI and away from entry-level hiring raises questions about the future structure of the workforce. As per the survey, a staggering 68% of managers predict that the dependence on AI will diminished the necessity for entry-level positions over the next five years. This trend could jeopardize the critical developmental pathways that young professionals need to foster their careers.

Toothacre warns that by exchanging entry-level roles with AI positions, companies risk stunting their talent pipeline. “Every professional has to start somewhere,” she emphasizes, highlighting the dangers of a hiring landscape that bypasses entry-level opportunities. Without these foundational experiences, the pipeline of skilled professionals could dwindle drastically as they ascend to mid- and senior-level positions in the future.

Conclusion

The findings from the ResumeTemplates.com survey prompt serious reflections on the evolving dynamics between generations within the workforce. As confidence in Gen Z dwindles, and reliance on AI grows, it presents a dual-edged scenario—one that could have lasting implications for organizational culture, talent development, and the broader economy. As discussed, it is essential for companies to navigate this change thoughtfully, ensuring they do not overlook the potential of younger employees who could contribute positively if given the proper guidance and opportunities to grow.

Methodology

The survey conducted by ResumeTemplates.com took place in October 2025. A total of 1,000 U.S. hiring managers participated, adhering to specific demographic criteria and screening protocols before engaging in the comprehensive study.

For further information on the complete survey results, please visit ResumeTemplates.com.