Young Bosses Share These Hard Truths on Why Gen Z Keeps Getting Fired — And How to Fix It

An iced coffee debate has put Gen Z workplace etiquette under a microscope once again, with bosses voicing growing frustration over everything from bringing an iced latte to a job interview, dressing too casually and brushing off basic professional expectations — and the results are devastating. The good news is, experts say these behaviors are totally fixable if young workers learn to respect rules, structure and deadlines. Without them, workplaces can quickly descend into chaos, costing companies money and ultimately leading to job losses.

We’ve rounded up takes from young and veteran workplace experts on why some young employees are getting canned, and what they can do to avoid losing their jobs in a labor market where landing a paid role to begin with is an uphill battle.

The Iced Coffee Debacle

The iced coffee debacle may seem small, but bringing one to a job interview can signal that you don’t take the opportunity seriously. As recruiter Caitlin says, that latte can make it seem like the interview is “just another stop on your list of errands.” You only have 30 to 45 minutes to make a lasting impression, so she suggests leaving the iced coffee for before or after.

RELATED: Black Gen Z Hires: Here’s 15 Wisdom Tips On How Not To Get Fired

What Managers Say Gen Z Is Missing

According to the Program on Negotiation, managers pointed to several areas where they believe Gen Z workers fall short, including technological proficiency (39%), effort (37%) and motivation (37%). Others flagged communication skills while an overwhelming amount of workplace leaders say Gen Z employees are too sensitive when receiving constructive feedback.

Entry-Level Workers Seem “Lost”

Bosses feel entry-level employees in 2026 are flat-out unequipped for workplace professionalism in a variety of ways, including a lack of “key etiquette skills,” from answering emails and conducting themselves in meetings to having “small talk” in a professional setting. Some say the COVID-19 pandemic and “remote” schooling could be to blame.

Gen Z Workers Fired At Alarming Rates

Employers have pointed to workplace habits that can make some young employees harder to keep, which mainly involves their lack of initiative, using “TikTok” lingo toward bosses and even wearing inappropriate work attire. When budgets get tight and companies start making cuts, those perceived shortcomings can put Gen Z workers at greater risk of getting canned.

Gen Z’s Struggle With Taking Initiative

For example, if a vendor hasn’t responded for hours or days with an impending deadline, a proactive employee might follow up, find another contact or look for an alternative solution rather than waiting passively for a response. Taking initiative shows that you can see a task through to completion, even when it requires some problem-solving along the way. What may feel like “a reach” to some young employees is often simply part of the job.

Bucking at Authority and Corporate Rules 

Gen Z employees may value freedom and autonomy, but the truth is, the corporate world still values workplace etiquette. We’re not saying your opinion doesn’t matter, but you’ve got to earn respect before you challenge the board room. Like Deepali says here, learn the game, play it smarter, and win in the end.

Gen Z Employees Are “Unprofessional”

For some employers, professionalism starts before a new hire even sits down at their desk including how they dress for an interview to how they carry themselves once they’re on the job. And while there’s been a ton of discourse online about not wearing sneakers to interviews, apparently some entry-level employees still haven’t gotten the memo.

Taking “Work-Life” Balance Way Too Far 

Work-life balance is important, but some young workers may be taking the concept a little too far. Closing your laptop in the middle of a meeting because the clock strikes 5 p.m. isn’t “work-life balance,” it’s simply irresponsible and unprofessional.

Engaging in Anti-Authority Antics

Pushing back on every request, ignoring a manager’s direction or treating basic workplace rules as optional can quickly turn into a problem. Responding to every request by relentlessly asking “why” can ultimately come down to an inability to follow instructions.

You Have to Do the Work 

You don’t have to love every task, but you do have to do the work. Every job comes with responsibilities, and refusing to handle the less exciting parts because they’re “not your job” can quickly become a problem. At the end of the day, your paycheck comes with an expectation that you’ll actually earn it.

Rules And Structure Matter

A workplace without basic rules, structure and accountability can quickly turn into chaos. Deadlines, clear expectations and established processes keep projects moving and help everyone understand what needs to get done. Delays can cost companies money, throw off other people’s work and ultimately hurt the bottom line.

Young Workers Need Guidance, Too

Gen Z workers aren’t the only ones responsible for this disconnect, as it can also reflect a failure of guidance from those who came before them. Young workers don’t automatically know how to navigate a professional environment, especially if they haven’t had strong mentorship or been taught what’s expected of them. That said, it isn’t too late for Gen Z workers to unlearn bad habits and turn over a new leaf professionally.

The Rules Still Apply

A variety of factors are at play in this issue, including a history of remote learning and a lack of mentorship. However, these habits can be unlearned. The sooner young workers understand what’s expected of them, the more room they’ll have to grow, earn trust and build lasting careers.