Suzy Welch worries that Gen Z is 'unemployable'—and some leaders are intervening to teach them basic life skills

Suzy Welch’s bold claim that Generation Z is “ unemployable ” has sparked lively debate in corporate America, prompting a wave of interventions by both companies and colleges to equip young adults with basic life and professional skills. The critique, rooted in research and observations about generational values and preparedness, is now colliding with practical workplace realities, as managers and educators scramble to bridge gaps between Gen Z expectations and employer demands.

Welch, an NYU professor and business journalist, published a widely discussed op-ed in The Wall Street Journal asserting that the major values prized by hiring managers—achievement, learning, and a strong desire to work—are priorities for only about 2% of Gen Z students surveyed. Instead, most young adults p