Why Gen Z Employees Quit—and How Coaching Can Keep Them Engaged
Let’s get one thing straight: Gen Z isn’t lazy, entitled, or uncommitted.
They’re the most coachable, tech-savvy, and purpose-driven workforce we’ve ever seen.
So why are so many leaders losing them?
Because Gen Z isn’t quitting work, they’re quitting their leadership.
And the cost is massive: turnover, disengagement, lost productivity, and churn that drains millions from organizations every year.
Here’s what’s really happening — and how coaching can keep Gen Z not only engaged, but thriving.
Why Gen Z Employees Quit
1. They Don’t See Purpose
Gen Z needs to know their work matters from day one. If leaders can’t connect daily tasks to the bigger impact, they lose interest fast.
2. They’re Starved for Feedback
Annual reviews? Hard pass. This generation grew up in a world of instant feedback. Waiting months to know how they’re doing feels like a remnant of an archaic playbook.
3. They Don’t Trust the System
Disconnected teams, outdated management styles, and cultures that talk values but don’t live them — Gen Z sees through it instantly.
4. They Don’t See Growth
If they can’t envision a clear path to develop skills, take on new challenges, and grow in their career, they’ll find a better opportunity elsewhere.
5. They Don’t Feel Safe to Speak Up
Psychological safety matters. If leaders shut down ideas or discourage candor, Gen Z will disengage — and eventually, exit.
How Coaching Keeps Gen Z Engaged
The fix isn’t more perks or empty slogans.
The fix is coaching.
When leaders act as coaches, they create trust, clarity, and growth — the exact things Gen Z is asking for.
Here’s how to do it:
- Make Feedback Continuous
Replace the annual review with real-time coaching conversations. Use AI to surface insights and turn them into growth moments. - Connect Work to Purpose
Don’t just talk about mission — coach your people to see how their daily contributions make an impact. - Ask Better Questions
“What matters most to you?”
“How do you want to grow?”
“What do you need from me?”
These are the questions that turn bosses into coaches. - Build a Culture OS
Architect culture as a system, not a vibe. Clarity, consistency, and collaboration need to be baked into daily workflows — not left to chance. - Leverage AI to Scale Coaching
AI doesn’t replace leaders. It provides them with the data, insight, and tools needed to coach more effectively across a broader audience without burning out.
Crack the Gen Z Code
The leaders who win in the Workverse will be the ones who:
-Treat coaching as an essential operating system
-Use AI to amplify, not replace, human connection
-Build cultures that make performance and trust measurable
Do this, and you won’t just keep Gen Z engaged — you’ll unleash their full potential and build superhuman teams.
Want the no-BS playbook? Book me to speak on Cracking the Gen Z Code, and let’s get your leaders ready to coach, connect, and compete in the new workplace.