According to a new report by Axonify, 77% of Gen Z frontline workers in the U.S. have encountered job situations where insufficient training made it difficult to perform tasks effectively. The impact is personal and profound—62% reported feeling overwhelmed or anxious, 55% felt embarrassed, and 14% even considered quitting.
“These findings underscore the critical need for employers to rethink their training strategies to better support Gen Z workers,” said Dave Carter, chief revenue officer at Axonify. “By providing personalised, engaging and accessible training programs, organisations can not only bridge existing skills gaps but also enhance employee confidence, productivity and retention. It’s clear that adapting to the preferences of this new generation is essential for building a resilient and effective frontline workforce.”
The report surveyed 500 Gen Z frontline employees and found that one in three received training only at the start of their role, with little or no follow-up. A further 37% said they lack time to learn on the job, and 34% criticised their training as dull or impractical.
Training beats burnout
These deficiencies come at a cost, as 67% believe consistent training could help prevent burnout, and 81% say they would stay longer in their jobs with better ongoing support.
In addition, Gen Z isn’t rejecting training—they’re asking for it to be delivered better. Half of the respondents want personalised learning aligned to their roles and career goals. Others favour short video content (35%) or mobile-friendly options (35%) that make learning accessible and convenient. The report also highlights that personalised and realistic training boosts confidence for 90% of workers, increases productivity for 82%, and enhances job satisfaction for 81%.
As Gen Z reshapes the workforce, their expectations are driving a transformation in how companies approach learning, away from one-off onboarding toward continuous, impactful training that helps workers thrive long term.