The older generation has always loved criticising the younger ones — and these days, Gen Z is often in the spotlight, sometimes with good reason.
Some Malaysian employers have taken to social media to express frustration over what they claim is a growing trend among Gen Z employees “ghosting” jobs, vanishing from the workplace without notice, or resigning within days of being hired.
Disappeared on their first day
One employer recently shared his experience online, describing how a 21-year-old new hire disappeared on their very first day of work.
After the interview, we gave the offer letter, and the staff came in as expected. Everything was fine in the morning — even the senior employees welcomed the person warmly,” the employer wrote.
Then this new staff went to the toilet and never came back. Just like that. First day of work!”
The post quickly went viral, with many netizens pointing out that “ghosting” — a term commonly used in dating — now seems to have made its way into the workplace.
Employers share similar experiences
In the comment section, another employer shared their frustration, saying two Gen Z employees submitted handwritten resignation letters and quit just two days after starting work.
Both took medical leave right after their first day. Then they came back saying ‘Hello, how are you? Here’s our resignation letter.’ Before I could even process it, they disappeared again,” the employer said.
They claimed that they were left speechless after reading the resignation letters because they hadn’t even had time to prepare replacement paperwork.
A growing workplace concern
While some defended the young workers, citing workplace culture, low pay, or lack of job satisfaction as possible reasons, employers argued that ghosting creates unnecessary disruptions for businesses.
“At my office, a new staff member took emergency leave for 3 days, saying her mother was sick. When we asked for a medical certificate, she couldn’t provide one. In the end, her husband called the office to inform us that his wife wanted to resign.”
