The Phenomenon of Job Dodging Among Gen Z

A recent survey by the employment service platform CVGenius in the UK reveals that one-third of individuals under 27 admit to intentionally not showing up on their first day of work without prior notice. This behavior, termed "

," has sparked debates about workplace culture and .

Experts suggest that Gen Z prioritizes personal needs and goals over corporate demands. They also engage in trends like "

," where employees perform only the bare minimum, and "," attending the office solely to swipe in before leaving. These actions indicate a willingness to remain unemployed until finding a suitable job and salary.

Additionally, "career catfishing" is seen as a response to "office ghosting," where employers abruptly cease communication without notice. A 2023 survey by the job platform Indeed found that three-quarters of employees in the UK have silently disappeared from employers due to unclear job roles, inaccurate descriptions, or slow responses.

However, experts warn that job dodging may have long-term consequences. Employers are developing biases against Gen Z, perceiving them as demanding and lacking motivation. This negative impression could hinder young people's ability to build trust with future employers. Moreover, with job competition intensifying, declining offers or not showing up may backfire.