A new ResumeTemplates.com survey of 1,000 U.S. hiring managers reveals growing concerns about Gen Z in the workplace and a shift toward artificial intelligence as a more dependable alternative. Six in 10 hiring managers say they have hesitations about hiring Gen Z workers, and 1 in 8 say the average Gen Zer is unemployable.
Gen Z’s work ethic, entitlement, and professionalism are key concerns
Among managers who are unwilling to hire Gen Z employees, 81% say they lack work ethic, 74% describe them as entitled, and 68% cite issues with professionalism. Eighteen percent of all hiring managers say Gen Z has negatively impacted company productivity.
“I’m not surprised by these findings. Years ago, Millennials were labeled the same way,” says Julia Toothacre, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com. “Critiques about entitlement and professionalism have followed every generation entering the workforce. It usually comes down to experience, shifting workplace norms, and how schools and parents prepare young professionals for real-world expectations.”
AI is replacing entry-level workers and more cuts are expected
Nearly 3 in 10 companies (29%) have already replaced entry-level workers with AI, and another 34% are considering doing so. Forty-one percent of hiring managers say AI is more reliable than Gen Z because it delivers faster, more consistent results with fewer errors.
The trend is expected to continue; 68% of managers believe AI will reduce the need for entry-level employees within five years.
“Organizations need to remember that every professional has to start somewhere, and it’s not at the mid-career level,” says Toothacre. “By replacing entry-level roles with AI, companies risk cutting off their own talent pipeline. Over time, this will lead to a shortage of skilled mid- and senior-level professionals who never had the opportunity to build foundational experience.”
Methodology: This survey was conducted in October 2025 by ResumeTemplates.com. A total of 1,000 U.S. hiring managers participated. Respondents were required to meet specific demographic criteria and successfully complete screening questions prior to taking the full survey.
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