Gen Z jobseekers twice as likely to ghost employers: UK survey

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — A new survey from global recruitment platform Indeed found that Gen Z job candidates in the United Kingdom are ghosting prospective employers at an alarming rate, with 93% admitting to skipping job interviews and 87% not showing up on their first day of work. 

The trend is leaving companies stranded and making hiring more difficult, with over half of surveyed UK businesses reporting ghosting has complicated recruitment.

While older generations are also guilty of occasionally ghosting employers, Gen Z is by far the worst offender. The youngest cohort feels emboldened by the practice, with many saying it makes them feel in control of their careers. 

Indeed’s data, which surveyed 1,500 businesses and 1,500 working people in the UK, confirms suspicions that Gen Z lacks commitment. However, the survey also offers solutions. When asked how employers could prevent ghosting, workers ranked higher pay first, followed by better benefits. 

With the cost-of-living crisis, financial incentives are the biggest motivator for talent. Around 40% admitted they are more likely to ghost if another job offers better compensation or an easier commute. For young workers especially, it’s not just about getting an offer but being able to afford accepting it.

“Of course, not all businesses will be in the position to increase their offer, but being transparent about the financial package from the outset is likely to prevent jobseekers from ghosting further along the hiring process,” said Danny Stacy, Indeed’s UK head of talent intelligence.

Meanwhile, in the United States, 75% of job seekers and 74% of employers agreed that ghosting has become entrenched in hiring. The top reasons job seekers gave for ghosting were:

• receiving another job offer
• dissatisfaction with the job or company itself
• inadequate pay or benefits

Employers believe improving communication, shortening the hiring process, and offering flexibility would reduce ghosting, but job seekers emphasize that higher pay, pay transparency, and better benefits are the keys to accepting the offer.