Why Gen Z is getting fired after being hired

Why Gen Z is getting fired after being hired

Author: USA TODAY May 6, 2026 Duration: 15:03
Gen Z workers are entering the job market, and in some cases, getting fired just as quickly. A recent survey found that many employers say they’ve let Gen Z hires go within months of their hire, citing gaps in communication, professionalism and expectations. But is this really a problem with young workers—or is it something deeper? NYU professor Suzy Welch breaks down what she sees as a fundamental mismatch between what employers want and what Gen Z values. She also explains how AI, remote work and a shifting job market are making it harder for early-career workers to find their footing. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.  Episode transcript available here.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Each morning, The Excerpt cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle. Instead of a rapid-fire list of headlines, this daily podcast from USA TODAY provides depth and clarity on the stories that matter most. Host Dana Taylor guides conversations with the network's award-winning journalists stationed all over the country, turning complex national issues into understandable segments. You'll hear more than just what happened; you'll get the crucial background and analysis that explains why it matters. The discussions span the full spectrum of American life, from the latest developments in Washington and cultural shifts to major sports moments and entertainment news. It’s designed for anyone who wants to start their day informed, with a clear perspective that lasts beyond the initial click. By focusing on context, this podcast builds a more complete picture of current events, making sense of how different stories connect to our daily lives. Tune in on weekdays for a reliable, thoughtful breakdown that goes deeper than the front page.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Excerpt
Podcast Episodes
America’s aging power grid faces new demands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:55
It’s not if, but when the next major power grid failure will happen. Major recent failures have exposed the grid’s vulnerabilities, from the massive Northeast blackout in 2003 to the deadly Texas power outages during the…
Water matters as much as oil in the Iran war. Experts explain why. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:56
Oil and water are both strategic in the war with Iran. Disruptions to either resource in the Middle East could further impact energy, food prices, fertilizer and other goods here at home. Amy Jaffe, director of the energ…
From friendly to violent: the history of US-Iran relations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:23
As the U.S.-Israel war in Iran intensifies, it’s hard to imagine Iran was once an important U.S. ally. In this special episode, we lay out key inflection points in the history of US-Iranian relations and how they continu…
Can desalination plants solve the West’s water problem? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:48
A critically important source of water for seven western states, the Colorado River is now running out of water. To fix the problem a public lands access group has proposed an ambitious plan to build eight massive desali…
Why doctors are jumping into politics right now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:59
Public health policy has become one of the most contentious fronts of the Trump administration. From cuts to Medicaid to RFK Jr.'s promotion of dubious theories on the causes of autism, some physicians say they feel comp…
How the SAVE America Act would impact voting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:56
President Donald Trump says the SAVE America Act could “guarantee the midterms” for Republicans. The bill would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and expand ID requirements at polls. But critics warn it co…
March Madness preview: who’s in, who’s out, who can win [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:11
March Madness is almost here, and the bracket picture is starting to come into focus. Is there a true favorite this year, or is the field wide open? USA TODAY college sports reporter Paul Myerberg joins The Excerpt to sh…
Is Trump's backing helping or hurting Republicans? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:46
On Tuesday night in Georgia, a crowded Republican field tested the strength of President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican Clay Fuller. In a race to fill the seat once held by former Representative Marjorie Taylor…
Disappointing economic indicators spark stagflation worries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:35
Alarm bells on the health of the U.S. economy are ringing. An unexpectedly dismal jobs report, growing unemployment and the ensuing uncertainty over trade policy piled on top of surging oil prices--make the financial out…
How Aaron Parnas built a massive Gen Z news audience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:29
Independent reporter Aaron Parnas has built one of the fastest-growing news audiences on social media, with millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram. Known for breaking down politics in a casual, direct style, P…