The practice of ghosting, once exclusive to dating, has become a norm among young workers, particularly those from Generation Z. According to an employment website survey, 93% of Gen Zers have flaked out on job interviews at some point in the past year.
Despite their tendency to disappear without a word, many Gen Zers believe that ghosting is acceptable behavior if employers also engage in it. In fact, over half of workers surveyed agreed that since employers ghost job seekers, it’s okay to do the same. However, this phenomenon has severe consequences for businesses, with more than half reporting that ghosting makes hiring more difficult.
Baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials are not immune to ghosting either, although their approach differs from Gen Z’s. Older workers often regret their actions immediately, while younger generations feel empowered by blanking bosses. Interestingly, a candidate’s likelihood to ghost again decreases with age.
The root of this behavior lies in the financial struggles faced by many young workers. With the cost-of-living crisis exacerbating the issue, job seekers are more likely to ghost if they find a better-paying job or one with more attractive benefits. Employers can mitigate this trend by being transparent about their financial packages from the outset.
As employers struggle to attract and retain talent, it’s essential to recognize that ghosting is not just a matter of personal preference but also a symptom of deeper issues in the workplace. By addressing these concerns and making their benefits more competitive, businesses may be able to reduce the occurrence of ghosting and create a more positive work environment for all employees.
Source: https://fortune.com/article/why-gen-z-ghosts-employers